TALL SHIP MUSIC: Ballads & Brews Fundraiser Set in July, Ships Return 2016

May 11, 2014
By: Dave Rogers

A musical beer fest to raise funds for the 2016 Tall Ship Festival will be held July 11-13 in Veterans Memorial Park.

The promoters state: "Music has always been a very important part of Bay City"s award-winning maritime festival, Tall Ship Celebration.

"In 2013, TSC took its love of music one step further and created 'Ballads & Brews,' an evening venue featuring international maritime and folk musicians and Michigan craft brewed beers."

"The inaugural Ballads & Brews event was such a success, TSC has decided to produce it every summer as a fundraiser to support the popular maritime festival that occurs every three or four years, the next appearance of the stately vessels in 2016.

During the day, Ballads & Brews 2014 will feature a craft tent for children and several informal workshops produced by The White Crow Conservatory of Music and participating performers.

Three days of music will include performances by: Bob Zentz, Virginia; Roan, Michigan; Pod Wiatr, Poland; Lee Murdock, Illinois; Geoff Kaufman, Connecticut; Boca Musica, Michigan; and Enter the Hagis, Toronto. Bay City's own Hoolie will lead a 'Celtic Jam' where all musicians are invited to join in and play along.

The schooner Appledore IV will offer 3-hour cruises throughout the weekend and organizers have extended an invitation to other tall ships that might be passing by! A fish fry on Friday and Saturday evenings will supplement food provided by vendors throughout the weekend.

Ballads & Brews 2014 will be three-days of amazing music and merriment in the spirit of our popular maritime festival.

We hope you will consider being a part of this new annual event that seeks to keep the enthusiasm of Tall Ship Celebration alive and well until the fleet returns to the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Bay Region in 2016.