REVUE R4

ACCORDING TO WILLIAM PEMBERTON, executive director for the River Raisin Ragtime Revue, what you do with an event that has a good successful start is “Make it bigger and better.”

This summer, for the second year, the 11th Annual R4 Extravaganza will take place in Adrian at the Planewave Instruments Campus again. The move from its previous location, the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, makes it possible for more events — as well as a longer extravaganza. Per Pemberton, “We have four bands, we have a musician doing three different sets, we have more children’s activities including face painting, an instrument petting zoo, and a bounce house.”

What’s an instrument petting zoo? It’s a place where kids can come and put their hands on the different instruments in the band and orchestra and give them a try,” explained Pemberton. “We’ll have somebody there to help them learn how to hold the instrument; they can try a bow and a violin or play a piano. A chance to play an instrument, something that maybe they don’t see every day.”

Not only does the move from Ann Arbor to Adrian allow for more events, but the placement of the venue also allows them to offer it all for free, thanks mostly, to a lot of generosity. Pemberton said, “We wanted this [event] to be very accessible and the R4 Extravaganza in Adrian is free, and it’s only free because of the amount of community support we’ve been getting. Not only community support, but support from the state, as well from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and other area foundations and

Corgis registered thus far for race day. The weekend will certainly be jampacked with Jim Valley’s Sheepherding Dogs, Rings of Steel’s Cirque Surya, and different styles of dance, including Highland Dancing and Irish Dancing, as well as dance workshops offered for those interested. There will also be reenactors. “They come dressed like Vikings and the Scottish Regiment and they talk to people about their interests,” added Thomas. Thomas did point out that this is a family event and there will be events and hands-on experiences for everyone, including an area for kids to play and other activities. Merchants will be selling Celtic souvenirs and hand-made items. There will also be plenty of food, or as Thomas said, “We’re going to turn it into kind of a foodie festival too, this year. We’re upping our food game and we encourage people to come and sample [the different types of] foods.”

It’s safe to say the Saline Celtic Festival will be like having a little bit of Scotland and Ireland right here in Washtenaw County.

The Saline Celtic Festival 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Rd, Ann Arbor  salineceltic.org

JULY 8 businesses.” He went on to note that “…the Noon Rotary Club, along with the Chip Moore’s insurance agencies, just voted to help fund the grand fireworks finale.”

Among the talent present the day of the review will be Above Pete’s Garage. APG will “Teach kids of all ages, from the youngest grades all the way up to post-high school the art of songwriting and recording. They teach the participants audio and video recording. They reach an astronomical number of students every year by going into classrooms and bringing them in after school. They’re looking to move on to the Planewave campus. APG reaches 50,000 kids a year and they’ve had their students go on to make it to the later rounds of The Voice,” said Pemberton.

The Review is on July 8th from 2pm until 10pm. “It’s kind of cool that it’s the weekend after the 4th of July and there will be fireworks there because ragtime is America’s original style of popular music. A lot of people don’t know that it’s the first American music and it’s going to be following the American holiday — the 4th of July. I think this is going to become a premier Adrian event.” Pemberton said they expect about 3000 people this year to attend. It’s family-oriented fun, and no cost entertainment.

“Especially the final evening concert by River Raisin Ragtime Review, ’one of only three professional ragtime orchestras in the country, and it’s going to be right there in Adrian.”

River Raisin Ragtime Revue  R4 Extravaganza • ragtimeband.org

Planewave Campus - 1375 N Main St, Adrian