Free concerts begin July 10 at Felt Estate

The stage is set for warm summer nights and great music with the first free Thursdays at the Felt Summer Concert Series in July.

The free concerts are on July 10, 17 and 24 and start 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.

“We are looking forward to another great season of fun music with a relaxed atmosphere that’s appropriate for the whole family,” said Beth McEwen, executive director of the Felt Estate.

This year’s new food vendor is Tarriko Taquiera. Sponsors are TNT Roofing, Haworth, Michigan Wine Co. and Saugatuck Brewing Co.

No outside alcohol is allowed but outside food and sealed 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.

The performers

On July 10, the band 6 Pak will perform. The high energy, all female rock ’n’ roll band plays a variety of music from the 1960s, 1970s and more.

On July 17, BBOP – Big Band of Praise – performs. Beginning as a group of musicians playing together at a Holland area church, BBOP is an18-piece band performing big band, swing, jazz, gospel and ballads.

On July 24, Chicago Mule takes the stage. The due 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.

Changes

The concert season has been shortened from the traditional four shows to three this season due to funding concerns. A new $5 premium parking option close to the venue is available. Free parking is still available by the Felt Mansion solar array and at Shore Acres Park.

“It’s a small way to help offset rising costs while preserving the spirit of the series,” said McEwen.

The Interurban bus service will also be available this year. For more information on the transportation service and costs, visit www.saugatuckinterurban.org.

Mansion tours

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