Downtown Sound Returns to Crooked Tree Arts Center with Diverse 2026–27 Lineup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2026

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center is bringing another season of live music and performance to downtown Petoskey with the 2026–2027 Downtown Sound performing arts series. The lineup spans chamber music, rock, funk, jazz, a cappella, Celtic music and more, with both returning favorites and new performers taking the stage throughout the season.

The season opens Sunday, Sept. 20, with The Harp Trio, presented by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Harpist Lynne Aspnes joins violist and GLCO Music Director Libor Ondras and flutist Chris Kantner for an intimate afternoon of chamber music spanning the late Romantic period through early 20th-century Modernism. The performance is part of GLCO’s free Sunday Series. Among the most anticipated performances is the return of May Erlewine on Saturday, Nov. 14. A popular Downtown Sound performer, Erlewine returns to Petoskey with music from her new album, What It Takes, produced by Theo Katzman and recorded in the north woods of Michigan. Tickets are already selling quickly for the November performance.

“We’re excited to bring another season of Downtown Sound to the community, with a lineup that offers something for longtime fans and those looking to discover a new favorite,” said Ed Boyer, Downtown Sound Committee Chair.

The series also continues several popular Downtown Sound traditions. Jazz in January returns Jan. 24 with Dr. Tim Ismond and the Petoskey Jazz Collaborative, bringing together Northern Michigan musicians for an afternoon celebrating the region’s vibrant jazz community. In March, Gaylord-based The Pub Runners continue CTAC’s tradition of featuring a Celtic spring performance with their lively blend of traditional Irish music, American folk songs, stories and humor.

The Downtown Sound season also includes two special performances from the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet. The School presents its 19th annual Fall for Dance on Oct. 30 at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center, featuring student works alongside choreography by celebrated guest artists. In December, the School returns to the Great Lakes Center for the Arts for its 17th annual production of The Nutcracker, a beloved Northern Michigan holiday tradition featuring CTAC dancers and guest artists from Miami City Ballet. Proceeds from The Nutcracker benefit the CTAC Dance Scholarship Fund.

Other performances throughout the season include Detroit-area funk rock group The Proud Naturals, professional vocal ensemble TBD A Cappella, Blissfest Winter Solstice, The Fabulous Horndogs and Traverse City’s Big Greasy Funk Band.

The 2026–2027 Downtown Sound season is presented with the support of Premier Sponsors McLaren Northern Michigan and Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, and Supporting Sponsors The Bahnhof Ski and Sport Shop, First Community Bank, Nicolet Bank, Tip of the Mitt Orthodontics, and Wiseguys Restaurant Group.

2026–2027 Downtown Sound Lineup

• Sept. 20, 4:00 pm: Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents The Harp Trio

• Oct. 17, 7:30 pm: The Proud Naturals

• Oct. 30, 7:00 pm: CTAC School of Ballet presents Fall for Dance — Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center

• Nov. 14, 7:30 pm: May Erlewine

• Dec. 11, 7:30 pm: TBD A Cappella

• Dec. 19, 7:30 pm: Blissfest Winter Solstice

• Dec. 19–20: CTAC School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker — Great Lakes Center for the Arts

• Jan. 15, 7:30 pm: The Fabulous Horndogs

• Jan. 24, 4:00 pm: Dr. Tim Ismond & the Petoskey Jazz Collaborative

• Feb. 20, 7:30 pm: Big Greasy Funk Band

• March 12, 7:30 pm: The Pub Runners