The popular Kaleidoscope Concert series is now in its fourth year thanks to the generosity of the Chelsea community.
The concerts are presented by Silver Maples of Chelsea and the Chelsea Senior Center, and The Picks and Sticks String Band will open the series on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
“We’re very excited to continue the concerts,” said Shawn Personke, director of activities and public relations for Silver Maples in a press release.
The concerts are held at Silver Maples of Chelsea, the third Tuesday of each month, September through May, with the exception of the February concert, which will be held on Mardi Gras, which is the second Tuesday.
“When we wrote the initial grant in 2008, we thought that it would be a welcome opportunity, but we really had no idea how popular the concerts would be. The free tickets go like wildfire and we have a full house for every show.”
The series was originally funded for three years by the Chelsea Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan for three years with the stipulation that community support would be needed for subsequent years.
“Like many foundations, our grantors felt that something of this nature really needed to be self-sustainable,” Personke said in the press release. “To that end, many community members and businesses stepped up to the plate and pledged to support the series for one, two, and three years.”
Chelsea Lumber Company, Michael and Ann Feeney, Ferguson & Widmayer PC, the Will Johnson Family, Norm & Kathi Neuman, United Methodist Retirement Community, the Doan Family Fund, are just a few of the sponsors.
“We have a wonderful line up for the series,” she said. “We’ve brought back some of our favorites and added a few new performers. Three Men and a Tenor always bring a high energy show, and we’re excited to welcome folk duo Mustard’s Retreat. For our April fundraiser concert, we’ve booked Mark Randisi featuring the Motor City Horns.”
Personke said that the April fundraiser is a chance for community members to make a donation to support the series. This concert is held at the Washington Street Education Center auditorium.
“Many of the horn players in Mark Randisi’s group have played with everyone from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to Yo-Yo Ma to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band,” she said.
Tickets are required for all concerts except the April concert, as seating is limited.
Free tickets are available at the Chelsea Senior Center, the Monday following the concert.
A second seating for all non-ticket holders will take place right before each show to fill every seat. Free transportation to and from the concert is also available for seniors living within the Chelsea city limits.
Reservations for rides may be made by calling 734-475-4111.
For more information about the series or Silver Maples, go to www.silvermaples.org.
