Rhythm & Roots: Celebrating LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Voices set for June 10

PETOSKEY — The Blissfest Music Organization, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Good Hart Artist Residency, Petoskey District Library, Waganakising Naagwagan Group, Petoskey High School Diversity Club and NCMC Gender and Sexuality Alliance are collaborating to provide an afternoon and evening of events that will include an art activity and art installation, a panel discussion and a free concert as part of the Rhythm & Roots: Celebrating LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Voices event.

The event will take place from 2-8 p.m. on June 10 at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. This event is free and open to the public.

The collaborating organizations are planning activities in a safe and welcoming environment that are open to all. They especially encourage participation from the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit communities, as well as their families, friends and allies.

The day begins with an art activity and art installation that is designed to give the Queer community and their allies an opportunity to share their voices through a colorful expression of written word.

At 4 p.m. the panel discussion, moderated by Jamie MacKenzie, will highlight the lived experiences and challenges of growing up Queer in the rural Midwest, explore aspirations of a more inclusive future, and touch on the ways allies can better support their local Queer communities.

The evening concert and performances will round out the day of celebration of LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit voices.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

Schedule of events:

2-4 p.m.: Finding your Voice – art activity and Installation. Participants will engage in a creative writing activity. All are welcome to participate in the hands-on activity that will take place in the art studio at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. Each person creates a unique 9” by 9” square with repeated phrases in many colors. When all of the squares are assembled on the Atrium walls of the Crooked Tree Arts Center, a colorful quilt of powerfulvoices will emerge. The public will be able to view this art installation and the individual messages.

4–5 p.m.: Panel Discussion - Building Community Awareness. A panel discussion will take place in the Crooked Tree Arts Center's theater on the topic of challenges growing up LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit in Northern Michigan. The panel will be moderated by Jamie MacKenzie.

5-5:45 p.m.: Social gathering and networking with food and beverages at the Carnegie Building in Petoskey

6–8 p.m.: Concert at the Crooked Tree Arts Center's theater featuring the music of Dillbilly and Allie Kessel. Local area talent will also be showcased with a poetry reading by Nevaeh Wells and cover songs performed by Olivia Benson and Mykie Winnell.

Visit the Good Hart Artist Residency website events page for more information.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Rhythm & Roots: Celebrating LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Voices set for June 10