(Chelsea Update would like to thank Chelsea House Orchestra for the information in this story.)
For an exciting and memorable evening of lively Celtic music, look no further than Chelsea where acclaimed Michigan group CrossBow will join Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO) for its first fall fundraiser on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in the George Prinzing Auditorium at the Washington Street Education Center.
CrossBow, a seven-member band that originated in Allendale, Mich., will be the featured headliner at the event, with an opening performance by CHO.
CrossBow is a dynamic and energetic Celtic group that is well known as a crowd favorite at Michigan venues and events like the Michigan Irish Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, Motor City Irish Festival, and Kalamazoo Irish Fest.
Steve Lesko and Carly Meloche are two of the founding members of CrossBow. Both are former CHO fiddle players and Chelsea High School graduates.
“We were inspired to create CrossBow as a direct result of the positive experiences we shared in the Chelsea House Orchestra, led by Jed Fritzemeier. CrossBow’s high-energy performances, audience engagement, and multi-genre musical selection all derive from CHO’s influence,” Meloche said.
Fritzemeier started CHO more than 20 years ago with only 10 students; it quickly grew into a Celtic music group that is in high demand at events and festivals around the country. The annual CHO Hometown Show in January often sells out, so audiences will now have an additional opportunity to hear CHO in addition to CrossBow – all on the same stage in one evening.
“Chelsea House Orchestra has had a positive impact in so many ways on our students, school, and community,” said Jed Fritzemeier, adding, “CrossBow is a great example and a natural special guest for our first ever fall fundraiser. CrossBow is the brainchild of Steve Lesko, who is also the new assistant director of CHO. I couldn’t be prouder of him – and CrossBow is awesome.”
Proceeds from the concert will be used to help pay for sound system equipment, student retreats, and future travel expenses for Chelsea House Orchestra.
CHO’s most recent extended trip was to Scotland in July, 2016 when they participated in the Stirling Bridge International Youth Arts Festival, performing at a number of stages and places, including Stirling Castle, Callander Town Square, Culzean Castle, and Perth Concert Hall.
CHO regularly performs at fairs, festivals, and special events throughout the Midwest, including the Indiana State Fair, Edinboro Highland Games, Alma Highland Festival, Chicago Scots Highland Games, Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights in Chelsea, and many more.
Purchase Tickets
Tickets for the CrossBow/CHO show are $12 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Advanced tickets may be purchased in person at Chelsea Pharmacy, 1125 South Main St. Those not local to Chelsea can reserve tickets by emailing [email protected].
Tickets that are still available after advanced sales will be for sale at the door. But don’t risk getting left out – be sure to get your tickets early.
For more information, visit chelseahouseorchestra.org/choxbow or xbowmusic.com.
About Chelsea House Orchestra
Founded in 1996 by Maestro Jed Fritzemeier, Chelsea House Orchestra is a nonprofit educational performance group from Chelsea High School. Supported solely by performances, donations and sales of CDs and merchandise. All monies raised are used for equipment, workshops, recording sessions, and travel expenses. See www.chelseahouseorchestra.org for more information.
