The Crystal Falls Business Association will kick off its new Summer Street Performer Series on Thursday, May 23. The public is invited to show off their talent from 6 to 8 p.m. on Superior Avenue or a side street of Crystal Falls. CFBA President Barbara Luck, left, and Kristen Underhill, CFBA member and Crystal Theatre managing director, prepare fliers for the event. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

CRYSTAL FALLS — Brush up on those talents — the Crystal Falls Business Association invites the region to show them off at its new Summer Street Performer Series.

The CFBA will kick off this new monthly event Thursday, May 23. Performers will share their skills from 6 to 8 p.m. on the downtown streets on the fourth Thursday of each month through September.

Whether it’s singing, playing instruments, garage bands, magic, reading poetry, dancing or even juggling — it’s all welcome.

“You can do all kinds of things,” CFBA President Barbara Luck said.

“The sky’s the limit,” said Kristen Underhill, CFBA member and Crystal Theatre managing director. “Show us what you got — come out and play.”

They encourage all ages, as well as residents from the surrounding areas, to take part.

Young children can do anything, from chalk art to blowing bubbles.

“There are gifted people around here — don’t be shy, come have some fun,” Luck said.

The CFBA hopes the event will bring life and color to the city.

Performers can choose a spot anywhere on Superior Avenue as well as side streets or lots. No advance registration or fee is required.

Participants need to be aware of businesses on Superior Avenue and not block the entrances. Participants also need to adhere to restrictions that include the noise ordinance and being family-friendly.

They noted as well that everyone must be off the street before 10 p.m.

“It’s kind of like open mic night but on the streets,” said Underhill, who also plans to participate but will keep that secret until Thursday.

Everyone is welcome to put out their “hats” for tips.

It also is a perfect opportunity for school groups, sports teams or organizations looking to raise funds for programs or upcoming event, they said.

“Not only does it give them a stage, but it promotes them and helps spread the news,” Luck said.

They encourage Crystal Falls businesses to extend their shopping hours during the monthly series.

“We also want everyone to come out and enjoy all the talent and support these businesses — make an evening of it,” Luck said.

It should be a great way to meet new people as well, Underhill added.

Luck credits Underhill with the idea to host a summer street series. “I absolutely loved it, and the CFBA wanted to support it,” she said. “It’s bringing people to town — that’s what we want. It’s awesome.”

Underhill, who moved back to the area from downstate almost two years ago, said she was familiar with a similar program the city of Holland hosted a couple times a month.

“They encouraged businesses to stay open late and people would just take to the street,” Underhill said. “It promotes community, and locally we have so many opportunities.”

The event will run through the summer; however, if the weather remains warm through October they may look to extend it.

They think it also will be a great attraction for those visiting the area. “I think the tourists will love it and it’s something they can do, too,” Luck said.

Once the program takes off, they will look at possibly shutting down a side street as well. “We need to get legs underneath us first,” Underhill said.

“I can’t wait to see who comes,” Luck said, adding she looks forward to walking out and hearing the laughter.

“We can really use some happiness,” Underhill added.

She anticipates hearing the music floating down the hill each month.

CFBA upcoming events will include the announcement of their “Person of the Year” at Bass Fest in July.

“It’s one of the biggest secrets in Crystal Falls right now,” Underhill said.

Many of the non-profit’s activities are focused in the last half of the year, from August through December, Luck noted. They include Humongous Fungus Festival, Candy Bash, Buck Fest, Shop Small Saturday and Crystal Christmas.

They will also welcome back the Michigan Advanced Paranormal Society — MAPS — to present a program on their findings of last year’s visit to the Crystal Theater, Charlie’s Emporium and the Harbour House Museum.

“They will show an educational reveal of the footage — we are excited to learn about what they discovered,” Luck said.

Any questions regarding the Summer Street series or suggestions for the CFBA can be emailed to CFBAMI@gmail.com or info@thecrystaltheatre.org.