A free community ukelele strum was hosted last night at the Ore Dock as part of the third annual Yooper Uke Week, presented by Michigan's "Ukulele Ambassador" Ben Hassenger and the Hiawatha Music Co-op. Above, Davida Fortin, right, age 6, plays along with her mother Sarah during the strum. (Journal photo by Rachel Oakley)

By DREYMA

BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Marquette County is known for many things and now is being featured for its “thriving” arts and culture scene.

Travel Marquette shared in a recent press release that the creative community “boasts a distinctive cultural scene and welcomes guests and residents alike to enjoy and participate.”

Travel Marquette CEO Susan Estler said in the press release that Marquette County is an “exceptionally beautiful region and a source of real inspiration for artists and creators in this area.”

“The allure of Marquette’s natural scene has helped foster a burgeoning arts community that invites visitors to engage, celebrate and appreciate their contributions,” Estler said.

She said the arts and culture scene gives another aspect to visit in terms of tourism. In addition, Estler said it’s important to balance and have depth to offerings for tourists, giving the example of Marquette County usually being an outdoor destination.

“So many artists have their energy feed off nature,” Estler said.

This, she said, is just as important for local businesses. Local art can be found in many shops including HOTplate or one of the many art galleries found in downtown Marquette.

Estler said the outdoor inspiration also plays a role in murals found around town, Art on the Rocks or Out Back Art Fair.

Those in the arts and culture scene can also utilize the Marquette Compass, a community calendar and creative community resource hub that is dedicated to broadening the arts and culture scene in Marquette. Marquette Compass’ mission is to “advise the city commission in its effort to support, facilitate and grow an empowered and vital arts and cultural and creative community.”

Marquette Compass can be found at mqtcompass.com.

The city of Marquette also hosts an annual art awards to celebrate “Marquette’s finest creatives and advocates.” This year’s awards were on Oct. 15, and has been going on since 1997.

Art, however, is not the only creative outlet in the county. Music and theatre are also big components to make up the arts and culture scene.

Some music offerings in Marquette County include:

≤ Marquette Symphony Orchestra: The Marquette Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to create, provide and promote professional performances of orchestral music through collaboration with residents and music educators of the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

≤ Marquette Area Blues Fest: The Marquette Area Blues Fest features three days of world class blues on the shores of Lake Superior in the Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Downtown Marquette, taking place in early September every year. According to Travel Marquette, “this festival continues the tradition of an amazing array of world-class blues musicians and offers a wide variety of food vendors, a beer and wine tent, free workshops and assorted arts and crafts booths.”

≤ Hiawatha Music Festival: The Hiawatha Festival is the only event of its size and scope in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The annual event features traditional-music styles that include bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk. The festival also features singers, songwriters and dance performances. Mainstage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites.

Live music is another aspect to the arts and culture scene.

“Throughout the year, many local restaurants and venues feature a variety of regional and local musicians and performers, including Ore Dock Brewing Co., who hosts live music nights and comedy shows,” Travel Marquette said in the press release. “Other venues like Presque Isle Park and Mattson Lower Harbor Park regularly host the legendary and historic Marquette City Band, which has been performing since 1887.”

Marquette residents and visitors may also notice local musicians on sidewalks of Third Street to celebrate Music on Third, a monthly music series featuring over 15 local bands to help promote local businesses and the downtown community.

Some theater offerings in Marquette County include:

≤ Lake Superior Theatre: Lake Superior Theatre offers the community an opportunity to experience live performances for all ages to enjoy. Located in a historic converted boathouse, the theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this season.

≤ Fall Phantasm: The Fall Phantasm Festival offers a unique artistic experience for one-night in October at Lakenenland, a sculpture park in Chocolay Township. Attendees are able to enjoy live music, theater, dance, immersive market and a variety of vendors that contribute to the celebration.

≤ Fresh Coast Film Festival: A four-day documentary film festival that celebrates the “outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.” The festival brings together environmental and cultural filmmaking from around the world while creating a culture of Great Lakes storytelling.

Travel Marquette can be found at travelmarquette.com.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 548. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.