By Journal Staff

CRYSTAL FALLS — The Crystal Theatre has announced a full slate of professional entertainers for the 2022 season, including Crystal Gayle as the featured artist of the Legend Series.

One of the most popular female country singers of her era, Gayle takes the stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 20. Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2017 and “her career and talent are legendary,” organizers said in a news release.

This headliner concert is among a host of other musical offerings and special events coming to Crystal Falls’ historical theatre this season.

After a two-year pandemic pause, the familiar “Gem of a Season” returns with eight concerts appealing to a variety of musical tastes.

The first Gem Season musicians are Max and Ruth Bloomquist appearing 7 p.m. May 7. Celebrating 45 years of performing, their style of acoustic Americana music has roots in folk, bluegrass, and traditional country. This pure Michigan duo captivates audiences with their songs, harmonies, and folk-infused charm.

At 7 p.m. June 3, the Steel City Rovers are guest performers. The Rovers stand out for their dynamic, expressive music that is a unique composite of traditional Celtic music and North American styles including bluegrass, folk and roots. They perform on handcrafted replicas of historical instruments that rarely appear on today’s musical landscape.

The month of July features three concerts in the Gem Season.

Them Coulee Boys introduce the holiday weekend at 7 p.m. July 1. The group crafts a brand of Americana that blends folk, punk, bluegrass, and rock ‘n roll. The five Coulee Boys sing in four-part harmony, with a banjo stomp and rhythm section punch that often drives the audience onto the dance floor.

A few days later at 2 p.m. July 10, a totally different musical experience is scheduled. The Vieness Piano Duo — Eva Schaumkell and Vijay Venkatesh — “enthrall audiences across the world with their captivating performances of a wide range of repertoire,” organizers said. “Four hands on a single keyboard produce a range of musicality from warm lyricism to glittery cascades of sound.”

The Blooze Brothers return to Crystal Theatre at 7 p.m. July 22.

“Amidst the crazy antics of the infamous original Blues Brothers who debuted 40 years ago, this high-powered, choreographed 11-piece show band energize and delight Aykroyd and Belushi fans,” organizers said.

The other four Gem Season concerts are reserved for the fall.

At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, Crystal Theatre welcomes Cold Tone Harvest. Country-infused melodies delivered by this southeast Michigan quartet appeal to music festival enthusiasts while poetic lyrics beg for solitary listening.

Kelly Jackson, a tribal member of the Lac du Flambeau Band, celebrates Indigenous Day at 7 p.m. Oct. 8. A singer, songwriter, philanthropist and a tribal advocate, Jackson composes rhythms that complement her native roots and lyrical messages that invoke healing and cultural reflection.

Luminae Trio, the final concert in the Gem Season series, performs at 2 p.m. Oct. 22. Based in New York City, this classically-trained group combines traditional works with lesser known music of the past and present. Pianist Jestin Pieper, cellist Jacob Nordlinger, and violinist Elizabeth Wright joined together during the pandemic, committed to keeping the arts alive during the trying time.

Gem Season tickets admit patrons to all eight concerts and are transferable.

In addition to the Gem Season concerts, special events slated for the summer include two film documentaries, two Pine Mountain Music Festival concerts, two children’s theatre performances, a new original musical, a tribute to Tom Petty, a Beethoven and Banjos concert, and Crystal Gayle in person. They are previewed below in chronological order.

≤ The Enemy in our Midst, a film about German prisoners of war held in the U.P. from 1944-46, will be shown on May 27.

≤ A free Missoula Children’s Theatre workshop is offered for students in grades 1-12 June 6-11; performances of The Emperor’s New Clothes are scheduled for June 10 and 11.

≤ Crystal Theatre is the venue for two Pine Mountain Music Festival concerts: The Bergonzi Trio on June 14 and an UPStarts concert, showcasing young musicians from the U.P. on June 20.

August promises to be the busiest month ever at Crystal Theatre.

On Aug. 6, Fortune Lake Camp presents an original musical called One Wonderful Day, written and produced by staff alumni and performed by an intergenerational group of campers.

On Aug. 12, The Insiders present the premier Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers experience, honoring the legendary rock ‘n roll artist.

Also part of Fungus Fest weekend, two screenings of The Humongous Fungus Among Us are offered Aug. 13. The quirky documentary by Tim Warmanen celebrates the illusive giant mushroom and the community that calls it a friend.

The theatre hopes to have a sell-out crowd to welcome the legendary country music star Crystal Gayle on Aug. 20. The next day, Aug. 21, the ever-popular Beethoven and Banjos concert presents a diverse program of chamber and fiddle/banjo music.

Check thecrystaltheatre .org or call 906-875-3208 for details on how to order Gem Season and/or individual tickets for Crystal Theatre’s 2022 schedule of live entertainment.