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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 15, 2006
Contact: Scott Hirko, Public Relations Officer
(517) 372-7770 -- shirko [at] mihumanities.org

MUSIC & HISTORY ON TAP FOR MICHIGAN WEEK
Neil Woodward, Kitty Donohoe, Steppin’ In It, Michigan Heritage Barns to visit
West Bloomfield, Monroe, Sturgis, and Lansing

(LANSING)-----The Michigan Humanities Council (MHC) announces that four presentations focused on heritage and culture will be a part of Michigan Week 2006 festivities this weekend. The presentations are supported in partnership with the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs to help Michigan residents celebrate Michigan Week. Michigan Week, an annual tribute to the best of the Great Lakes State, began in 1954 as a way to promote state pride among citizens and to celebrate the rich heritage and unique features that make Michigan special. Michigan Week 2006 is May 20-26, with the theme “Great Lakes, Great Traditions: the Magic of Michigan.”

On May 20 and 21, Neil Woodward will perform his original compositions about the Great Lakes at the Orchard Lake Marina and Historical Museum in West Bloomfield. On May 23, Kitty Donohoe, will sing her songs and provide her cultural perspectives on Michigan at Mason Consolidated Schools in Erie and at North Elementary Schools in Newport. And, from May 19 to May 26, southwest Michigan residents can tour the original exhibit Michigan Heritage Barns in Sturgis. The exhibit, created by the Michigan State University Museum, depicts the influence of barns on Michigan’s diverse agricultural heritage. On May 26, Lansing-based band Steppin’ In It will perform its variety of Cajun and bluegrass music at the Michigan Historical Center from Noon – 2:30 p.m.

The schedule of presenters follows.

In West Bloomfield: Neil Woodward
Saturday, May 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Orchard Lake Marina and Historical Museum, West Bloomfield.
Neil Woodward is Michigan’s troubadour. His acclaimed original compositions, traditional ballads, and dance tunes bring to life Michigan history and culture.

In Monroe: Kitty Donohoe
Tuesday, May 23. A pair of performances at 8:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at Mason Consolidated Schools in Erie. An additional performance at 1:00 p.m. at North Elementary School in Newport.
Award-winning musician Kitty Donohoe combines songs, stories and folk instruments to present fun, cultural perspectives on Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

In Sturgis: Michigan Heritage Barns exhibit
From Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21, the exhibit will be at Sturgis High School, and from Monday, May, 22 to Friday, May 26, the exhibit will be at either the Open Door Gallery or the Sturgis-Young Auditorium.
The exhibit features black and white photographs from photographer Mary Keithan presenting Michigan barns as works of art.

In Lansing: Steppin’ In It
Friday, May 26, from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Michigan Historical Center, Lansing.
Steppin’ In It uses vintage instruments to pound out their own brand of roots music combining country, swing, and blues.

Many additional events are being held around the state to celebrate Michigan Week. For more information about Michigan Week and a statewide events schedule, visit www.michigan.gov/michiganweek.

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a state agency that is part of HAL, serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/arts.

The Michigan Humanities Council, founded in 1974, is the state's independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information about the Michigan Humanities Council, visit www.michiganhumanities.org.

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