Richie Havens ... remember him from Woodstock?

The Door Peninsula was settled by farmers, lumbermen, and fishermen more than 150 years ago.  Arriving from countries around the globe, the early pioneers knew long days of unending hard work.  But at the end of the week, it was music that filled their homes, simple instruments like a guitar, fiddle, flute, jaw harp, accordion.  The rare piano arrived with a flourish and soon became a gathering point for sing-a-longs.

By the onset of the Civil War, brass bands performed rousing concerts in town squares throughout both North and South, creating a uniting spirit.  Like Music Man Harold Hill, musicians affirmed a sense of community, and provided a source of escape from daily toils.

Today, to the delight of Door County’s visitors and residents alike, the music continues in the tradition established by the musicians of the 1850s.  Located in Egg Harbor’s Eames Cherry View Park, the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center features music and musicians in a setting that can only be described as fun, first-rate entertainment, and family-friendly.

Bring the whole family ... even the dog!

“We are so delighted to be able to offer this quality of music for free to the entire community.  It is an extraordinary tribute to a wonderful woman.  Peg Egan had a true passion for the fine arts.  And her son Kevin generously gifted Egg Harbor and Door County in her honor,” said Egg Harbor Village board president Nancy Fisher. 

“It takes a village” might very well be the rest of the story.  Situated near the heart of Egg Harbor, the Eames farm’s orchards provided a harvest of first-rate cherries.  Gifting the village six of the family’s acreage, it was stipulated that five of the acres remain planted with cherries. 

“It was perfect; what better location to locate Peg’s arts center,” smiled Fisher.  “It is easily accessible, even more so since we made significant improvements since last summer.  It is all about the community and giving back.”

Launched last summer, the Sunday evening Sunset Concert Series premiered June 15, 2008.  “We were so excited,” recalled Terry Lundahl, Peg Egan Performing Arts Center program director.  “Nancy and I were delighted with the 400 strong that showed up to enjoy our first concert featuring the all-time favorite music of Copper Box.”  But build it and they will come, and they did.  “By the end of the concert series later in the summer, more than 5,000 guests of all ages were attending.  We felt much embraced.”

“Terry had a great line-up of national recording artists scheduled for the concerts,” affirmed Fisher.  “It was a wide selection of performances, eclectic, far-ranging and very talented.  It’s a positive experience for everyone.”  Added Lundahl, “People are taking the concerts seriously, and that is due in large part to the excellence of the entertainment, performers who are nationally recognized in folk, blues, Americana, jazz, and world music.”

Bring a chair or blanket, extra clothing, food, and beverage

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chairs.  “Guests tell us the experience is very comparable to Ravinia near Chicago.  It’s a baby Ravinia,” commented JoshVan Lieshout, Egg Harbor Village administrator.  “It has the same feel.  And the beauty of the Peg Egan is that it is unpretentious.

“Come as you are is the dress code; we are casual and relaxed.  And everyone comments on the camaraderie.  The good cheer is contagious.  The improvements to Church Street are completed and include a new sidewalk, dark-sky lighting, and increased parking.  It is much easier for strollers and wheelchairs to make their way to the concert area.”

The crowd awaits Richie Havens

The 2009 season will kick off on Sunday, June 28, with legendary Woodstock icon Richie Havens and special guest star Harry Manx. “And it doesn’t stop there,” said Lundahl. “The Peg Egan PAC will be offering a season filled with an array of music to please just about anyone’s musical pallet.

“Our concert line-up is top-notch, featuring some of the best major, as well as minor, label musicians from across the country.  This year’s line-up includes a Folk Festival on July 5^th, showcasing six national touring artists. On July 12, Grammy nominee, blues icon Tab Benoit will take the stage with a steamy night of Cajun blues. Last year’s all-time favorite, Willy Porter will be joining us again on July 19. Last year Willy had an audience of over 500.”

“Can you imagine anywhere more beautiful to listen to music, watching the sun set over Green Bay?  People can’t believe this is available in Door County.  But it is and it truly is magical,” concluded Fisher.

This year’s Sunset Concert Series will feature ten performances, all of which are scheduled by Dragonfly Production.  All concerts conclude by 9 pm to accommodate lodging in the vicinity.  In case of a rain-out, concerts are held at The Orchards Golf Course on Heritage Lake Road in Egg Harbor.

In addition to the Village of Egg Harbor, funding is provided by sponsors Door County Memorial Hospital, Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company, Dr. Bronner’s Family Foundation, Ed & Terri Martin, H.J. Martin & Sons, The Shallows Resort, Newport Resort, and Lull-Abi-Inn. Door County Outpost Gallery & Café will host a meet & greet the artists immediately following each concert.  Harbor Landing Restaurant will provide concessions available for purchase.

For a complete Sunset Concert Series schedule call 920.493.5979 or visit www.theartofmusiclive.com.