White Water, one of northern Michigan's most popular recording groups, will perform in concert at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, in Negaunee Township, during a public open house from noon to 4 p.m., on Sunday, May 17. Performances are scheduled at 1 and 2:30 p.m.

"The appearance by White Water continues an open-house tradition at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, something that began in the early 1990s when this family band was just starting out," said Tom Friggens, a regional manager for the Michigan Historical Center. "Michigan is home to a variety of compelling stories, and visitors to our open house will have the chance to experience many of them through museum interpretation and music."

The concerts kick off a summer-long series of museum activities. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets to help cover the cost of the performances are $7 per adult, $3 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased at the museum in advance or at the door while quantities last.

Friggens said a White Water concert is an intimate sharing of music and stories, moving easily from gentle ballads to driving fiddle tunes to the lively hammer dulcimer, interspersed with descriptions of the band's instruments and playing styles.

Known for its high-quality musicianship, tight vocal harmony and engaging style, the group performs contemporary folk music and traditional styles that include Appalachian, Celtic, Finnish and bluegrass. Its arrangements include banjo, bass, fiddle, guitar, dobro, mandolin, bodhran and the group's trademark hammer dulcimer.

White Water recordings can be purchased at the museum store.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, a public, non-profit facility of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. It is located at 73 Forge Road, overlooking the site of the Carp River Forge, a pioneer industrial site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The recently expanded museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about museum programs call (906) 475-7857 or visit online at www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity. In addition to the Michigan Historical Center, HAL includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).