The first of three concerts in the SOUNDS OF SLEEPING BEAR concert series on Bay Mountain featured String Cheese, an electrifying duo on electric fiddle and electric cello. The classically trained women from Ann Arbor played a wide array of original music with a Celtic flair.
To say their music is electrifying is an understatement. Both ladies moved on stage with abounding energy, performing foot-stomping melodies that had the audience riveted. Diana Ladio played the electric fiddle with speed and grace, while Allison Lynn surprised audiences with her aggressive cello playing.
Most would expect a cello performer to be seated with the large stringed instrument stationed on the floor, but Allison performed standing up. Her electric cello was small and attached to a harness over her shoulder. The instrument allowed her complete freedom to move around the stage…and move around she did. Allison put her whole body into the vigorous performance.
Allison Lynn on Electric Cello
The evening couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather was a gentle 75 degrees. The sun was setting over the water and the music was outstanding. String Cheese obviously had a great time. The following day String Cheese posted on their Facebook wall, “Saying goodbye to the Homestead after hands-down, the most picturesque show String Cheese has ever played! Perfect weather, beautiful sunset, great audience… Couldn’t have asked for anything better!”
Allison Lynn & Diana Ladio
Bay Mountain Venue at The Homestead
Diana Ladio Fiddlers Her Heart Out
Intermission with Views of Glen Lake to the East
Guest Celtic Drummer
Sun Setting Over Lake Michigan and String Cheese
Their current Facebook profile picture was taken that night. We are honored.
String Cheese Facebook Profile Picture
The SOUNDS OF SLEEPING BEAR concert series on Bay Mountain at The Homestead continues throughout the summer with Will Ready performing on July 21st and Who Hit John? on August 14th. For SOUNDS OF SLEEPING BEAR concert tickets call 231.334.5100. The Homestead is also the host of one of the popular Manitou Music Festival concerts that features Blackthorn Celtic Quartet. Order your Manitou Music Festival tickets online.
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String Cheese is the electrifying combination of fiddler, Diana Ladio, and cellist, Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies, and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these girls have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, the two perform on state-of-the-art electric instruments, and offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience two of the world’s best-known instruments and oldest genres through a young, progressive lens.
R&B and Soul singer, Will Ready, has performed in North America, Europe, Japan and The Caribbean and has opened for Chaka Khan, The Temptations, The Whispers and Al Jarreau. He attributes his silky, seductive style to his love for “old school” R&B, Soul, Jazz and hit makers like Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Baby Face and Keith Sweat. Will describes his new music as “romantic music with a groove-its food for the soul.” Ready’s live performances invariably turn into dance parties. His infectious energy, joy and deep groove laid down by his excellent band, RMG, make it all but impossible to stay in your seat. When Will Ready plays a club date, his audience quickly becomes part of the act.
Performing, jamming, and busking since 2006, Who Hit John? has tenaciously evolved from their beginnings as an old-time string band playing on the street corner for tips. Incorporating Gypsy Jazz, Swing and European flavors into an already eclectic collage of barnstorming old-time originals and traditionals, they blend old-world music with a vibrant breath of excellent and soul. Expect fanciful fiddle and trumpet melodies over a thick core of acoustic rhythm. Visit Who Hit John? on their website at 
The Homestead will also be hosting one of the 
