Music in the Meadow

Last evening we were invited to attend a short concert in the meadow on the grounds of the old state hospital.  The old state mental institution has been changed into beautiful park, retail space and living space  on the west side of town.  I know it is hard to believe but someone had a vision and turned the old building and beautiful parkland into a wonderful space that only adds to the beauty of Traverse City.  It is kind of a hidden beauty that many people don't even know about but is gaining popularity.  The old buildings are being renovated into wonderful spaces for our community.  One big building is full of cute little shops and great places to eat.  Some of the other buildings are now condos and the smaller buildings are turning into little places like brew pubs, bakeries and galleries.  It has been interesting to watch this area evolve.  The state turned this large area over to the city and  one developer had the vision to see what it might be.  

I will take you on our journey to the concert.  

 It started with finding our old chairs in the garage.  The little side story about these chairs is that they came from Bud's grandfather's house.  They are old wooden chairs that are very old but do look great.  Another side story is that Bud went out to the garage the other night to hang these chairs.  He was out there for over an hour.  When he finally came back in, I asked him what took him so long.  He said that he was making something to hang the chairs on.  In my old garage he just pounded a nail and hung things.  This garage needs                                                         it to be fancy.  Well he is proud of his garage.

SO we took grandfather's chairs to the meadow and settled in for an evening of free entertainment.

Doesn't he look fantastic.  Ready for all the culture.  This was a concert of the Northwestern Michigan College Community orchestra.  The lawyer in Bud's office building is in the orchestra along with his wife.

Let me paint the scene.  It was a nice evening, a breeze was blowing and the sky was clear.  We were sitting in the sun but enjoyed the warmth.  All around us were at least a hundred or more people of all ages.  This meadow is near the assisted living center and the nursing home so many of the clients were out on the lawn with family and caregivers.  It is a neighborhood event too so many young families came with their children to sit on the lawn and listen to the music.  A group of children was playing in the lawn under the watchful eye of their parents, I think I saw a soccer ball being tossed around and the little ones were playing chase among the trees.
They were serving a bag lunch of hamburgers, brats chips and some wonderful ice cream.  We resisted the snacks/meal because we were going out to dinner after the concert.
The seagulls were flying overhead, hoping that some young or old music lover would drop them a treat.  I even saw a  few ducks fly over.
Civil War music was the venue tonight. They played several marches that kept the crowd engaged.

The towers of the state hospital buildings were looming over us, watching all the fun.  It makes you wonder about all the previous clients would think of this activity.

I was especially watchful of this group of white haired ladies in the front row.  They loved the final march and clapped along.   Yes, I know that this picture isn't the greatest quality, taken right into the sun but it would have been rather conspicuous of me to go in front of them and take their picture.  I also like the way the sun is creating an effect of light over their gray heads.

This one lady on the right was especially animated while listening to the march, clapping and singing along.   Maybe some day when I am gray someone will wheel me out on to the lawn for an evening of music.  I hope I clap and enjoy myself and all the beauty around me.

I love the buildings here around the meadow.   I am very glad that someone had the vision to save this wonderful architecture instead of doing the 'American" thing of tearing down our old buildings.

This is the building called The Cottages which is assisted living.  What a beautiful setting.

I hope you enjoyed my evening of music and people.   It was a wonderful change from the usual.   They have a free concert every Thursday night.  I hope we take advantage of this wonderful activity a few more times this summer.
So, look outside your usual routine and find something new to enjoy.