Northern Michigan: Crooked Tree Arts Center Expands Schedule

Northern Michigan: Petoskey’s Crooked Tree Arts Center offers a packed schedule of events year round and is adding even more offerings this fall in response to patron demand, says executive director Liz Ahrens. Kicking off soon are monthly wine tastings (starting in October), dance classes and an expanded cooking series. On the visual arts side, the center’s annual juried fine art exhibition, now in its 32nd year, will feature artists from across Michigan (September 15–November 2). A traveling Michigan watercolor exhibit of 30 to 35 pieces also will make a stop at Crooked Tree this fall (September 15–November 2). Performances this season include: century brass band The Dodworth Saxhorn Band (October 5); classical violinist Gabriel Bolkosky accompanied by Michele Cooker (November 10); Dance the Halls, Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Dance Department (December 15-16); Robbie Smith jazz quartet Mind’s Eye with Edye Evans-Hyde (January 12); nationally known Chicago improv comedy troupe The Improvised Shakespeare Company (February 2); and American Idol finalist Matt Giraud (March 2). Crooked Tree is housed in an ornate 1890-built former Methodist church and features a 235-seat thrust stage theater, two galleries and studios for art, dance and music lessons. 231.347.4337. crookedtree.org.