Northern Sun Winery Funday Sunday Benefit Concerts Launch in July

Northern Sun Winery in Bark River launches its Funday Sunday Benefit Concert Series in July.  Although state restrictions on public activities due to COVID-19 made a June program uncertain, the winery and its concert co-hosts are moving ahead to again bring quality performers to the vineyard’s spacious and distancing-friendly venue this summer.

Here’s the lineup for the series’ fifth season:

• On July 12, they’ll host the popular duo, February Sky, who will delight concert goers with their mix of traditional, modern and original folk and Celtic music. Trout Lake residents Phil Cooper and Susan Urban play a variety of instruments ranging from guitar and mountain dulcimer to cittern, banjo and flute.  They tour widely, carrying on the folk music tradition of speaking from the heart to many aspects of the human condition.  Their performance is co-sponsored by AAUW of Escanaba, whose community projects will benefit from ticket proceeds.
• In August, Northern Sun and co-sponsor United Way of Delta County welcome Chicago musician and singer Kraig Kenning to the vineyard’s pergola 9 to entertain with his guitar-picking skills and his memorable lyrics. Kenning’s style incorporates contemporary folk, acoustic blues and roots rock along with award-winning finger-picking on acoustic and steel resonating guitar.  He has toured the U.S. for three decades, performing in intimate venues and at popular music festivals.  Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Delta County’s Imagination Library for youth.

Concerts begin at 4 p.m. and proceed rain or shine. A free vineyard tour precedes the concerts at 3 p.m.

The vineyard observes social distancing restrictions but offers ample space for picnicking and seating. Hand sanitizer stations are located on the grounds. Masks are required inside the tasting room, where capacity is limited to four guests at a time; wine service will be available on the grounds for concert guests.

Early arrivals can spread blankets or set up their lawn chairs to enjoy wines with their picnic fare; additional picnic items are available in the tasting room. No alcoholic beverage carry-ins are permitted.

Tickets are $10 in advance, available at Northern Sun and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce in their new location at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Co-hosts also have tickets for their sponsored program. Purchased on day of concert, tickets are $15.

For more information, contact Northern Sun at (906) 399-9212 or visit www.northernsunwinery.com. Check Facebook postings for Northern Sun Winery, too.

Northern Sun is located south of Bark River and U.S. 2 at 983 10^th Road.

—Information submitted by Northern Sun Winery