Performers set for Felt Mansion summer concerts

The music acts that will take the stage at the free Thursdays at the Felt Summer Concert Series in Laketown Township were announced this week. Concert-goers will notice a few changes this summer, including a shortened season and a premium parking fee.

The concerts

The free concerts are 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.

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

The first concert is July 10. The band 6 Pak will perform. The seven-piece high energy, all female rock ’n’ roll band plays a variety of timeless 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. The audiences will enjoy music such as Gershwin ballads sung by the band’s vocalists, big band standards including “In the Mood” and “Caravan,” and big band arrangements of pop and gospel music.

On July 24, Chicago Mule takes the stage. The group is a cover band from the north side of the Windy City. Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Matthew Gordon and pianist/vocalist Megan Burback, the duo puts its 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 a lack of dedicated funding for the concert series this year, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to shorten the season,” said Beth McEwen, executive director of the Felt Estate. “We know how much the community loves these events, and we’re committed to keeping them accessible and free to attend. That’s why we’ve added a $5 premium parking option close to the venue — it’s a small way to help offset rising costs while preserving the spirit of the series.”

Organizers are actively seeking local businesses and individuals to help sponsor the concerts and encourage everyone who enjoys these events to consider becoming a Friend of the Felt Estate.

For more on the 501C3 nonprofit group, visit https://www.feltmansion.org/donate-main

“Memberships and donations make a meaningful difference and help sustain programming like this. Donations will be gratefully accepted during the concerts, and every contribution helps us keep the music playing for seasons to come,” said McEwen.

Parking updates

New this season is a “premium” paid parking option on the lawn next to the Carriage House for $5. Free parking is still available by the Felt Mansion solar array and at Shore Acres Park.

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 during the shows 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