Puppets, Processionals, and More: April at the Ypsi Freighthouse
That’s a wrap! UMS returned to the Ypsilanti Freighthouse this April for another three-week residency of fun and eclectic programming. From free family events to sold-out concerts, to a culminating one-of-a-kind community celebration and processional, take a look back at some of our favorite moments:
Hey, Mambo!
Our residency kicked off with a night of salsa dancing led by Mambo Marci, with live music by LL7 Latin Jazz.
A Plethora of Puppeteers
Behind the scenes with Detroit Puppet Company. Photo by Peter Smith
The Detroit Puppet Company presented three School Day Performances and two packed free family performances featuring their new shadow puppet show, Sun Moon Secret.
Families watching Detroit Puppet Company’s Sun Moon Secret. Photo by Peter Smith
Kids created their own shadow puppets at workshops after each show!
Post-show puppet-making workshop. Photo by Peter Smith
A Sonic Meditation
Multidisciplinary artists Sophiyah E. and King Sophia guided audiences on a journey of mindfulness and meditation with beautiful ambient sound — the perfect opportunity to tune out the chaotic outside world. Carefully curated teas provided by Bloodroot Herb Shop in Ypsi helped set the mood.
Discovering the Sounds of the Kanun
Kanun master Firas Zreik with Kenji Lee (sax) and Jon Hammonds (bass). Photo by Peter Smith
World renowned kanun player Firas Zreik explored the traditions of Arabic maqam and the modern versatility of the instrument, alongside some of Ypsi’s best jazz musicians.
Firas Zreik demonstrating the kanun. Photo by Peter Smith
Earlier in the day, Zreik visited Ypsilanti Community Middle School to demonstrate the kanun and talk about the instrument’s history.
Midwestern Glory
Frontier Ruckus at the Freighthouse. Photo by Peter Smith
From Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo to the Freighthouse! Michigan’s own Frontier Ruckus took the stage in a fun and nostalgic night of songs that symbolize Americana and Midwestern suburban life.
Straight Ahead to Our Hearts
Straight Ahead performing at the Freighthouse. Photo by Peter Smith
Straight Ahead, Detroit’s groundbreaking, Grammy-nominated, all-women jazz band, performed a fabulous sold-out afternoon set at the Freighthouse.
Bassist Marion Anderson. Photo by Peter Smith
The following day, UMS filmed the ensemble for a digital-exclusive set that will be released on YouTube later this summer.
Local Talent Shines
Open mic nights at the Freighthouse continue to be a beloved community tradition! From monologues to original songs being performed in public for the first time, the audience created a supportive environment for all voices to be heard. Special thank you to our beloved colleague and host, singer-songwriter Rochelle Clark!
View this post on Instagram
A Celebration of Community Unlike Any Other
To conclude our residency, UMS joined forces with the Riverside Arts Center and FestiFools to create a free artistic celebration that perfectly encapsulated the love and support of the Ypsi community.
Detroit Party Marching Band. Photo by Peter Smith
In a puppet-accompanied processional alongside the Detroit Party Marching Band, the crowd journeyed from Riverside to the Freighthouse, where the party continued with live music by Djangophonique.
Thank You
Each residency at the Freighthouse gets bigger and better, and all of us thank our Ypsilanti community and audiences for the incredible energy and enthusiasm they bring to this series. And don’t worry, we’ll be back this September, with a full lineup to be announced later this summer! Sign up for our Freighthouse interest list and get a notification as soon as information becomes available.
The Ypsilanti Freighthouse residency is supported by Menakka and Essel Bailey and Linh and Dug Song.
Family Programming Sponsor
K-12 Programming Sponsor
Love great music, theater, and dance?
Surely your inbox has room for one more email... Sign up for notifications on upcoming events and season updates.