Artoberfest has become a veritable rite of passage from the fun of summer to the awesome visions of fall we typically get to enjoy in Michigan’s Great Southwest…and this year’s celebration — with the addition of a full-tilt PechaKuch Night attached — could become the biggest and best on record.
The popular New Territory Arts Association’s (NTAA) street celebration, the 11th Annual Artoberfest, is adding the international phenomenon, PechaKucha Night, to its lineup of art, live music, food, craft brews and wines. This rain-or-shine family event is next weekend, Saturday, September 16th from noon to 11pm, in the Benton Harbor Arts District at the corner of 5th and Park Streets near The Livery Microbrewery.
Ken Ankli, the esteemed President of the NTAA says, “We are thrilled that the PechaKucha Night – St. Joseph/Benton Harbor organizers are partnering with us this year.” He reminds everyone, “Artoberfest is NTAA’s principal fundraiser to support arts programs, scholarships and projects in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Adding these highly entertaining talks to our lineup of bands and artists will make this one of Southwest Michigan’s premier showcases for creative talent. Come early and stay ‘til the last PechaKucha presentation. You’ll enjoy every minute.”
Admission to the festival grounds is free from noon to 4pm. (a donation of $5 is suggested). After 4pm, adult admission is $5 each; under 21 years old are admitted for free.
Ankli said that this is a great time to try the liquid and culinary art of local craft beers, wines and pizza from The Livery. Or you can savor palate-pleasing creations from Baja Gringo Taco Truck, Larks BBQ Truck and Dialo’s Café Catering specializing in soul food and BBQ.
Lead Artoberfest sponsors include:
- The Schalon Foundation
- Silver Beach Pizza
- Bread+Bar by Bit of Swiss
- The Livery Microbrewery
- Krasl Art Center
- Holt+Bosse
- PechaKucha Night-St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
Additional support comes from these fine folks:
- 3 Pillars Music
- Pier Realty
- ARS Gallery
- Brooks Architectural
- Chemical Bank
- Edgewater Bank
- Greenspan Construction
- Jimmy Johns
- North Pier Brewing
- Oak Room
- Passaro & Kahne
- Pier 1000 Marina
- Prairie Real Estate
- Quarternote Lofts
- Re-Imagine
- Kruggel Lawton
- Southwest Michigan Brew Tours
- Thayer Inc.
- Third Coast Surf Shop
- Vail Rubber
- Vincent Lofts.
Artoberfest activities include:
Noon- 11 p.m.: Up to 20 booths will display regional artists’ glasswork, paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, fiber and re-purposed art. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the local galleries and studios in the district, too.
1 p.m.-8 p.m.: The Artoberfest Main Stage will offer a variety of musical entertainment.
1 p.m.: Campfire Stu. This is singer-songwriter Mike Struwin’s new venture which combines his passion for storytelling and music in a multimedia show that will engage the entire family.
2:30 p.m.: The Backups. This trio of local music powerhouses recently debuted their three-part harmonies in Benton Harbor with a mix of popular covers as well as original works. Members include Morgan Ingle of Slim Gypsy Baggage, Leslie Sypian of the The Sypian Family Band and Meredith Best George from The Livery.
4 p.m.: Midwestern Lull. This Chicago based group will bring its Americana/roots rock/alt-country music to the stage. Fans of Neil Young and The Band will definitely enjoy the play list.
6 p.m.: The Chuck Jagers. This homegrown, Benton Harbor band will perform its take on covers and originals. Their music style ranges from The Pixies to Pink Floyd.
8:30 p.m.: PechaKucha Night at Artoberfest will present a series of talks designed to elicit laughter, tears and pondering. Eleven talented locals will share their passions using 20 slides, each automatically shown for 20 seconds. The slides will be projected on a large outdoor screen hung from The Livery. Limited seating will be set up on The Livery open space, but Ankli encourages showgoers to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Entrance to PechaKucha Night is $5 for anyone 21 years and older. The presentation lineup will feature:
- Tom Hurst — “Family Boatbuilding, Getting Kids on the Water with Their Own Hands”
- Jennifer Zona — “Entangled-Up-Cycled Weavings”
- Julee Laurent — “An Intrigue of Kittens”
- Maggie Galloway — “Art Grief Therapy”
- Lakeshore Robotics Team — “Robotics Competition”
- Scott Gane — “I Could Have Been a Mother”
- Kim Jorgensen Gane — “Mother Ffffeminist”
- Meagan Francis — “I Swiped Right for Your Dog: Adventures in Dating Apps”
- Loon Mabians — “Brace, Open, Laugh. My Story on Stand-Up”
- Simon Rusk — “Craft Life”
- Jerry Price — “Wait! I Have Something to Say”
Ankli said Artoberfest and PechaKucha Night organizers are still seeking volunteers to help before, during and after the events. The first 15 adults to sign up will get a voucher for a free beer after their shifts. To volunteer, click this link:
https://goo.gl/forms/xH92PgwCJUt0thi63
Updates about Artoberfest and other Arts District events are available at info@newterritoryarts.org or by visiting the New Territory Arts Association on Facebook.
The New Territory Arts Association is a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to the revitalization of Benton Harbor through the arts. Founded in 1998, it has been responsible for many Benton Harbor Arts District events and arts-related community programming.
