MAPLE CITY — The Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society is launching a new Friend Raising Campaign with a series of three free picnic concerts aimed at building public support for the restoration and future use of the historic Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn.
The concerts, scheduled for July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13, will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the barn, located at 1110 West Burdickville Road, on the north side of Myles Kimmerly Park in Maple City. Each show will feature a different musical genre, with performances ranging from country and folk to classic rock and orchestral music.
The nonprofit organization behind the barn’s restoration hopes to engage the community and showcase the potential for transforming the site into a public venue for arts, events and educational exhibits. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, enjoy live music, take guided tours, play yard games, and explore the Row-by-Row Garden. The Leelanau Historical Society will also display a restored antique Model A Ford.
“We’re looking forward to giving everyone a sense of the current and potential uses of this incredibly beautiful barn and surrounding acreage,” said barn restoration expert Steve Stier, who leads the society. “We need lots of friends and supporters to turn this historic building into a public venue for community events and gatherings.”
Stier will lead tours during all three concerts and hopes to welcome new “Friends of the Barn” — member-donors who will support the nonprofit’s continued efforts. Planned upgrades include improved accessibility, lighting and electrical service, and a separate restroom facility to accommodate future public use.
The concert lineup begins July 30 with performances by country and folk artists Rita Hosking, Sean Feder and local singer-songwriter Andre Villoch. On Aug. 6, classic rock and new wave trio Go North! will take the stage. The series wraps up Aug. 13 with orchestral and big band selections from The Brass Quintet, a program of the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, and a cappella group TC Sings!
Food will be available from Heard It’s Good Tacos & More, with $3 tacos and dessert cakes. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted for the Empire Area Community Center’s Emergency Fund, which supports individuals in need throughout the region.
More information is available at https://lchp.org.