Crooked Tree Arts Center Announces Downtown Sound Performing Arts Series 2025-2026 Lineup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 18, 2025

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) is proud to announce the Downtown Sound Performing Arts Series schedule for 2025-2026, running from September through March in the Petoskey area. This season features an eclectic mix of local, regional, and national talent, plus CTAC School of Ballet’s beloved fall and holiday performances.

The lineup includes jazz, Celtic rock, chamber music, and contemporary ensembles, alongside collaborations with community partners such as the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and Blissfest Music Organization. Highlights include Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Peter Madcat Ruth with his CARMa Quartet, Emmy-nominated jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker, and the holiday favorite The Nutcracker, performed by the CTAC School of Ballet at Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

“Downtown Sound is about celebrating the joy and diversity of live performance,” said Kimberly McCarthy, development and events coordinator at CTAC and Performing Arts Committee member. “We’re thrilled to welcome back beloved favorites like Rodney Whitaker and Peter Madcat Ruth while also introducing new talent, such as KalHaven Strings and Wakefire, to our stage. Thanks to the support of our local sponsors and partners, we’re able to offer a variety of musical genres that we hope will inspire, entertain, and foster a sense of community through the shared experience of music.”

The majority of performances will take place in the recently renovated CTAC Theater, an intimate 220-seat venue in downtown Petoskey. The theater also features updated LED stage lighting, made possible thanks to support from community donors and grants, enhancing both the audience and performer experience. Select events will be held at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center and Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

The first performance by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra is free, thanks to the generous support of GLCO patron Carolyn Klender. Downtown Sound tickets range from $10 to $60 and are available at www.crookedtree.org/downtownsound or by calling (231) 347-4337. Tickets for Fall for Dance will be released September 22; The Nutcracker will be released October 1.

The full 2025-2026 Downtown Sound lineup:

Sunday, Sept. 21 – Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents Nancy Stagnitta Jazz Trio, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11 – Nathan & Jessie, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1 – CTAC School of Ballet’s Fall for Dance, 7 p.m. (Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center)
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Peter Madcat Ruth’s CARMa Quartet, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 – Cabin Fever featuring The Charlie Millard Band with special guests Lara Fullford and Dane Tollas, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 – CTAC School of Ballet’s The Nutcracker, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Great Lakes Center for the Arts)
Saturday, Dec. 20 – Blissfest Winter Solstice featuring Dead at the Winery and Mr. Jake, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 – CTAC School of Ballet’s The Nutcracker, 3 p.m. (Great Lakes Center for the Arts)
Saturday, Jan. 17 – Rodney Whitaker, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14 – KalHaven Strings, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 – Wakefire, 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Sound is organized by Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey with the generous support of Premier and Supporting Sponsors Downtown Petoskey, Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, Bahnhof Sports, Mercantile Bank, Tip of the Mitt Orthodontics, and Wineguys Restaurant Group, along with many other local businesses and individuals.

: A man and woman stand on a subway platform with musical instruments. The woman carries a case and wears a leather jacket and cap, while the man holds an accordion with a guitar strapped to his back. The train tracks and tiled station walls stretch into the distance.

Image: Bluesy folk duo Nathan & Jessie will be performing Saturday, Oct. 11 at CTAC Theater as part of Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Downtown Sound performing arts series.

A band performs on stage with four musicians. One sings into a microphone wearing a bright red shirt, another plays the tabla drums, and two others play guitars. Stage lights highlight them against a dark background while the audience watches in silhouette.

Image: Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Peter Madcat Ruth as part of CARMa Quartet will be performing Saturday, Nov. 22 at CTAC Theater as part of Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Downtown Sound performing arts series.

A musician in a hat and checkered jacket plays an upright bass on stage. The empty rows of seats behind him fade into darkness as a spotlight highlights his focused expression and hands on the instrument.

Image: Emmy-nominated jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker will be performing Saturday, Jan. 17 at CTAC Theater as part of Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Downtown Sound performing arts series.

About the Crooked Tree Arts Center

Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn and grow through the arts. With campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures and special events for all ages. Learn more at crookedtree.org.

Media Contact:
Keely Bomee Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
231-550-6868 | keely@crookedtree.org

Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-347-4337
www.crookedtree.org