Paddle to the Symphony
Online Registration Available until June 20
Hear the music from your canoe at Paddle to the Symphony – photo by Michael Dwyer
It’s not too late to register for this year’s Paddle to the Symphony event at Kensington Metropark. The Michigan Philharmonic returns for its third annual visit to perform “An American Salute,” a family-friendly concert on Friday, June 21 at 8:00 p.m. Participants paddle across Kent Lake from the North Martindale Picnic Shelter to the concert area set up at Maple Beach.
Started nearly 20 years by Hostelling International, Paddle to the Symphony is now a celebration of Southeast Michigan outdoor enthusiasts and a reunion for the founders. The Michigan Council of Hostelling International and SOLAR Outdoors (both non-profits groups) have had a long history of collaborating with this event. Open to everyone to enjoy, Paddle to the Symphony celebrates an outdoor activity with a cultural experience.
Paddle to the Symphony canoe launch – photo by Michael Dwyer
Canoeists will paddle across the 1/4 mile span to the amphitheater on the opposing shore and return as the sun goes down and the music keeps going. To enjoy the evening without going on the water, guests may choose to hear the music from shore. A box lunch-style dinner is available whether an attendee chooses to canoe or stay on shore.
Michael Dwyer, event organizer, says, “Since the Paddle to the Symphony begins and ends on the other side of the lake, participants will have an easy time driving in and out of the park through a different entrance than most of the concert goers. It’s an easy paddle and most people won’t have any problem paddling for 15 minutes to cross the lake.”
Those looking for more time on the water may do so. The music can be heard all around the end of the lake. Therefore, participants may paddle, float or pull the canoe to shore.
Michigan Philharmonic
Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Nan Washburn, the Michigan Philharmonic celebrates our nation’s birthday with a feast of patriotic pops favorites highlighting popular American composers and the traditional classic, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Opening with the Star-Spangled Banner, the program includes a medley of George Gershwin’s songs from Porgy and Bess and a tribute to Duke Ellington. Movie music will be featured with John Williams’ Adventures on Earth from “ET.” The big brass, cannons and church bells of Tchaikovsky’s spectacular 1812 Overture followed by John Phillip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever March provide a sensational grand finale to this not-to-be-missed summer concert. Program available HERE.
Heavner Canoe Rental will be providing the canoes. All visitors to Kensington Metropark are required to purchase a daily use vehicle pass for $5.00 (yearly is $25.00) and are invited to spend the afternoon at the park before Paddle to the Symphony begins. The North Martindale Picnic Shelter is the meeting point for participants of the event and registration will start at 4:00 p.m. An official reception is at 6:00 p.m., lake activities begin at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. The event concludes by 10:00 p.m.
Paddle to the Symphony attendees meet at Martindale Beach (S on the map) and paddle across Kent Lake to Maple Beach for the concert
While the concert is free to attend, the Paddle to the Symphony requires registration and payment. To attend the event and paddle, registration is available until June 20. To include the box lunch dinner option, registration must be made by June 17.
Secure Online Registration at www.PaddleToTheSymphony.com
Here are the 2013 options:
- Paddle with dinner is $35.00 per person
- Paddle only is $25.00 per person
- Dinner only (hear the music from shore) is $15.00 per person
- Event only (stay on shore and bring your own snacks) is $5.00 per person (includes water)
About Michael Dwyer