Chassell Heritage Center celebrates summer with style
Chassell Heritage Center celebrates summer with style
Tears, laughter, learning promisedLAURA KIRBY, DMG Writer
CHASSELL — History, culture, laughter and music are on the agenda every Thursday evening at the Chassell Heritage Center this summer season. A series of events put together by the Chassell Historical Organization starts July 13, and usually alternates showcasing of the area’s talent.
“We try to do a presentation on the area, and then something musical,” said special events committee coordinator Judy Evert. “We try to balance it that way.”
On July 13, at 7 p.m. photographer Joe Kirkish will lead his audience on a tour from Houghton to Copper Harbor and in between. Slides from a “vast” collection capture the Keweenaw’s finest scenes, fans say.
On July 20, funny-girl Finnsters the Suomalainen Sisters return to the center for belly laughs and reminiscing. The trio recreate the laughter and tears that took place in the average Copper Country immigrant’s home while waiting for the sauna to heat up, says one-third of the group Sherry Saarinen, who, with sisters Kris and Linda, was raised by her grandparents on the Pike River.
Chassell Strawberry Queen of 2003 Marta Lisbet-Loman returns to the Heritage Center spotlight with Dave Bezotte, Mark Oliver and Rita Dostaler Panian with “Musical Presentations: Voice and Instrument” on July 27.
Locally-based “Friends of Fashion” promises a rollicking good time from the 1920s and movie-struck ’30s, at their vintage fashion show during the Chassell Strawberry Festival on Aug. 3. The center is also the permanent home to the group’s collection and exhibits.
Hannah Bethel makes a stop on her road to stardom at the center Aug. 10. The 16 year-old singer/songwriter is a favorite at Seafood Fest and has been performing country, rock and soul since the age of three. “She’s very gifted,” Evert said of Bethel.
Kivajat Finnish Folk Dancers return to the center Aug. 17 with special guests and FinnFest performers Kay and Hal Seppala. Kids between the ages of 7 and 12 learn the basics of Finnish folk dance with the pair in colorful costume.
Bird enthusiast Art Weaver presents a slideshow of the birds of the Copper Country on Aug. 24.
Prepare for the Canadian invasion Aug. 31 as the traditional music and dance of French Canadians take over the center. Singing, dancing and fiddling by local performers will offer a season finale that no nationality will want to miss, Evert said.
For more information, call 523-4612 or e-mail nancy@einerlei.com.
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