Kaleidoscope Concert Series Opens Fourth Season at Silver Maples in Chelsea

The popular Kaleidoscope community concert series in Chelsea will kick-off its fourth season with a performance by The Picks and Sticks String Band at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

The series is presented by Silver Maples and the Chelsea Senior Center.

"We're very excited to continue the concerts," said Shawn Personke, director of activities and public relations for Silver Maples. "When we wrote the initial grant in 2008, we thought that it would be a welcome opportunity, but we really had no idea how popular the concerts would be. The free tickets go like wildfire and we have a full house for every show."

The series was originally funded by the Chelsea Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan for three years with the
stipulation that community support would be needed for subsequent years.

"Like many foundations, our grantors felt that something of this nature really needed to be self-sustainable. To that end, many community members and businesses stepped up to the plate and pledged to support the series for one, two, and three years," Personke said. "It's been great to see so many businesses and families step up to financially support the concert for the next few years."

Sponsors include the Chelsea Lumber Company, Michael and Ann Feeney, Ferguson & Widmayer PC, the Will Johnson Family, Norm and Kathi Neuman, United Methodist Retirement Community, and the Doan Family Fund.

The concerts are held at Silver Maples the third Tuesday of each month, September through May, with the exception of the February concert, which will be held on Mardi Gras, which is the second Tuesday.

"We have a wonderful line-up for the series," said Personke. "We've brought back some of our favorites and added a few new performers. Three Men and a Tenor always bring a high energy show, and we're excited to welcome folk duo Mustard's Retreat. For our April fundraiser concert, we've booked Mark Randisi featuring the Motor City Horns."

Personke said that the April fundraiser is a chance for individual community members to make a donation to support the series. This concert is held at the Washington Street Education Center auditorium.

"Many of the horn players in Mark Randisi's group have played with everyone from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to Yo-Yo Ma to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band," Personke said.

Tickets are required for all concerts except the April concert, as seating is limited. Free tickets are available at the Chelsea Senior Center, the Monday following the concert.

A second seating for all non-ticket holders will take place right before each show to fill every seat. Free transportation to and from the concert is also available for seniors living within the Chelsea city limits.

Reservations for rides may be made by calling 734-475-4111.