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Downtown Sound

Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey PRESENTS:

Downtown Sound Performing Arts Series

This season-long performing arts series brings a dynamic mix of nationally touring acts, Michigan favorites, and captivating dance performances to Northern Michigan. Featuring music across a wide range of genres, from folk, jazz, blues, brass, and classical to the artistry of ballet, Downtown Sound offers an exciting lineup of live performances from September through March.

Upcoming Performances

  • Downtown Sound: Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents Harp Trio
    Date: Sep 20, 2026
    Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Days of the week: Sundays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - CTAC Theater
    461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    Lynne Aspnes (harp), Libor Ondras (viola and GLCO Music Director) and Chris Kantner (flute) perform an enchanting afternoon of chamber works, employing various instrumentations within the trio. This captivating performance includes works that span from late Romanticism to the early 20th century period and Modernism.

    GLCO’s Sunday Series brings intimate chamber ensembles to neighborhood venues across Charlevoix and Emmet counties. The Sunday recitals are free to the public thanks to the generous support of patron Carolyn Klender.

    Doors open at 3:30 pm.

    Free
  • Downtown Sound: The Proud Naturals
    Date: Oct 17, 2026
    Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Days of the week: Saturdays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - CTAC - Theater
    461 E Mitchell St, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    The Proud Naturals are a funky rock band based in the Detroit area, bringing together original music, select cover songs and a rich blend of musical genres. Featuring Chris Puzzuoli on vocals and guitar, Dave Gerlach on bass, Todd Douglas on drums and Dave Bauer on piano, the band delivers a powerful sound built on strong musicianship, infectious grooves and explosive harmonies. Their wide-ranging musical style reflects the diversity and creative spirit of the Detroit music scene, while their original material gives the band a distinctive voice of its own. The Proud Naturals have built a musical history through years of performing and recording, releasing their self-titled album and later Proud Naturals Two, continuing to showcase their evolving sound and chemistry as a band. Whether performing their original songs or putting their own energy and character into select covers, The Proud Naturals create an engaging live experience that keeps audiences connected from the first note to the last. With their rich sound, genre-spanning approach and unmistakable Detroit roots, The Proud Naturals represent the enduring spirit of musicianship, originality and live music that makes the Motor City so special.

    Northern Michigan singer-songwriter Lucy Weisberger opens the evening with a brief selection of songs showcasing her heartfelt songwriting. Blending the energy of pop and rock with the warmth and storytelling of folk, Lucy brings a fresh perspective as a young, emerging artist.

    Doors open at 7:00 pm. Cash bar available.

    Click here to listen!

    Get Tickets
  • Downtown Sound: May Erlewine
    Date: Nov 14, 2026
    Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Days of the week: Saturdays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - Theater
    461 E Mitchell St, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    May Erlewine has dedicated her life to writing songs for the human heart’s existence.These songs have the relentless ability to find the tender places within us. Her body of work stands as a reminder that our greatest strengths come from allowing ourselves to be courageously vulnerable. It’s evident that her career in the music industry has been service-oriented. She uses her platform to fight for positive change. Stressing the important, necessary work of advocacy, justice and empowerment in our world. This community building message has touched people all across the globe.

    Her new album, What It Takes, culminates decades of hard work and perseverance. Produced by Theo Katzman and recorded in the north woods of Michigan, the record offers a fresh and electric sound supporting May’s soulfully familiar songs.

    Her calling is to share this music. Her words have held solace for weary hearts. They offer a light in the darkness and leave space for the pain and joy of being alive. When she starts to sing, everyone is invited, come as you are.

    Doors open at 7:00 pm. Cash bar available.

    Click here to listen!

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  • Downtown Sound: TBD A Capella
    Date: Dec 11, 2026
    Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Days of the week: Fridays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - Theater
    461 E. Mitchell St, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    TBD A Cappella is a professional men’s vocal ensemble based in Metro Detroit, Michigan, known for dynamic, polished and entertaining live performances. Using only their voices and vocal percussion, TBD brings well-known songs from across the decades to life through rich harmonies, featured soloists and beatboxing. Their repertoire ranges from upbeat pop favorites and heartfelt ballads to holiday classics, creating a fun and memorable experience for audiences of all ages. Members include educators, musicians, arrangers and arts leaders who bring a wealth of musical experience to every performance. TBD performs at concert venues, schools, community celebrations, corporate and private events, and holiday programs. Their debut album, The Answer’s 42, was recognized with a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award for Best Semi-Professional Album.

    Doors open at 7:00 pm. Cash bar available.

    Click here to listen!

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  • Downtown Sound: The Fabulous Horndogs
    Date: Jan 15 - 14, 2027
    Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Days of the week: Fridays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - Theater
    461 E Mitchell St, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    The Fabulous Horndogs are a legendary six-piece party band bringing together a powerful horn section, seasoned rhythm players and an infectious energy that keeps audiences on their feet. With more than two centuries of combined musical experience, the band delivers a dynamic mix of Rhythm & Blues, Boogie Woogie, Rock & Roll, Swing, Funk, Soul and Reggae, along with their own original music and energetic takes on familiar favorites. Known for their tight musicianship, big sound and entertaining live performances, The Fabulous Horndogs have brought their unique style to audiences throughout Michigan and beyond. Their high-energy performances have made them a favorite at festivals, community events and celebrations, including a headline performance at the National Trout Festival. With a sound full of horns, rhythm and soul, The Fabulous Horndogs bring the spirit of a great live party wherever they perform.

    Doors open at 7:00 pm. Cash bar available.

    Click here to listen!

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  • Downtown Sound: Big Greasy Funk Band
    Date: Feb 20, 2027
    Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Days of the week: Saturdays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - Theater
    461 E Mitchell St, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    Big Greasy Funk Band is a high-energy ensemble based in Traverse City, Michigan, celebrating the infectious spirit of New Orleans funk and blues, the roots of American music. Formed in 2025, the band brings together musicians with more than 100 years of combined performance experience, drawing from groups including Funky Uncle, the Jon Archambault Band, 1000 Watt Prophets, Stone Folk, Big Fun and Blue Water Kings Band. Their vibrant, percussion-driven sound is built to get the party started, with the spirit of Mardi Gras at its heart and a show that is fun for audiences of all ages. Big Greasy Funk Band has quickly become a lively presence on the Northern Michigan music scene, performing at festivals, concert series and venues throughout the region. With their love of New Orleans funk, powerful grooves and unmistakable party energy, Big Greasy is all about one thing: letting the good times roll.

    Doors open at 7:00 pm. Cash bar available.

    Click here to listen!

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  • Downtown Sound: The Pub Runners
    Date: Mar 12, 2027
    Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Days of the week: Fridays
    Age Group: Family
    Location:
    CTAC - Petoskey - Theater
    461 E Mitchell St, Petoskey MI 49770
    Details

    The Pub Runners are a Gaylord, Michigan-based Irish music group who have been entertaining audiences across the United States, Canada and Ireland for nearly three decades. Their unique blend of traditional Irish music, American folk songs, stories and Irish humor creates a lively performance filled with toe-tapping pub tunes, beautiful ballads and memorable sing-alongs. The group has performed hundreds of shows throughout North America and Ireland, including a long-running series of performances on Mackinac Island. Since 2018, The Pub Runners have also shared their love of Ireland through their unique Musical Tours of Ireland, bringing fans along as they sing and travel through the Irish countryside. With two CD recordings, a vast collection of videos and countless stories gathered along the way, The Pub Runners bring the music, history and spirit of Ireland to every audience they meet.

    Doors open at 7:00 pm. Cash bar available.

    Click here to listen!

    Get Tickets