First Felt Mansion concert catches summer vibes

The band “6 Pak” brought the crowd at the Felt Estate to its feet on Thursday, July 10, 2025, for the first of the three Thursdays at the Felt Summer Concerts.

The band’s lead singer complimented the spectators for their dancing shoes.

“Or should I say sandals?” she laughed, noting the bright sunshine, warm temperature and summer vibe surrounding the historic venue.

“The atmosphere at the concert was conducive to dancing and meeting people,” said Roberta “Birdie” Strnad who immediately joined the dancing as soon as the music started. “We’re fairly new to the township but have been impressed with the people and the natural beauty.”

Check out the videos from the concert at:

Line Dancing Video

Rock Video

The free concerts continue July 17 with BBOP – Big Band of Praise, an18-piece band performing big band, swing, jazz, gospel and ballads.

The music starts at 7 p.m. outside the Carriage House, 6597 138^th Ave. in view of the historic Felt Mansion. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Food and drink service begins at 6 p.m.

This year’s food vendor is Tarriko Taquiera.

No outside alcohol is allowed but outside food and sealed non-alcoholic beverage containers are permitted. Coolers and bags will be checked. No pets except registered service dogs.

In case of inclement weather, cancellation will be announced by 5 p.m. via email and website www.feltmansion.org/current-events.

On July 24, Chicago Mule takes the stage. The duo is a cover band consisting of guitarist/vocalist Matthew Gordon and pianist/vocalist Megan Burback who put their own spin on favorite songs from oldies and rock classics to current pop hits.

For more on the shows, visit here.

Funds raised at the concerts help with repairs and renovations at the almost century-old mansion.

The building will be open for free self-guided tours from 5-7 p.m. on concert nights with donations much appreciated.

Construction of the mansion began in 1925 by Dorr E. Felt, inventor of the Comptometer, the first machine that could do all four math functions — add, subtract, multiply and divide. The building was finished in 1928. Felt’s wife Agnes died that year. Dorr died a year-and-a-half later.

After his death, the estate became a seminary for the Augustinian order that was attended by Pope Leo XIV, then a state prison and Michigan State Police post, before the property was purchased by Laketown Township. The mansion has been restored and is a top historical and educational site as well as a wedding and event destination. Learn more at www.feltmansion.org