The Department of Natural Resources today announced the 14th season for "Message from the Marsh," a cultural and historical performing arts series that is presented each Saturday evening beginning June 20 on
the lawn stage adjacent to the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center inside the
Bay City State Recreation Area.

"Each of the performers inspires an awareness and appreciation for the resources which make Michigan unique," said Valerie Blaschka, DNR park interpreter. "Their one-hour performance is a great way to conclude a family's visit to the park, or an alternative way to follow up a day of shopping in downtown Bay City or dinner at one of its unique restaurants. Following the performance, visitors are encouraged to take a twilight stroll by the bay on our paved trail and boardwalk. The opportunities for wildlife viewing are outstanding."

"Message from the Marsh" is co-sponsored by the DNR and the Friends of Bay City State Recreation Area, with financial support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Northeast Michigan Arts Council.

Each performance begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free; however, all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

The 11-week series schedule for Message from the Marsh includes:

June 20, Broken Glass String Band, "Michigan Melodies" -- Join these crowd-pleasing folk artists for a magical performance of our region's history through stories and songs.

June 27, noon-7p.m. -- Beach Wellness Beach Bash, a full day of performances by five Michigan bands, a part of the annual Beach Wellness Volleyball Tournament.

July 4, Neil Woodward, "Michigan-i-a" -- Woodward makes Michigan's history come alive through his original compositions, traditional ballads and popular dance tunes.

July 11, La'Companie, "Sounds of Michigan" -- An entertaining mix of original songs and stirring tales of Michigan's Native Americans, Frontiersmen, and Settlers.

July 18, Ourselves, "Songs Born on the Fresh Water Sea" -- Featuring songs which focus on the lore, romance and history of the Great Lakes those who sailed the fresh water seas.

July 25, Dulcimer Connection, "Beyond the River of Time" -- A delightful collection of acoustical musicians performing songs and traditional melodies from Michigan's past.

Aug. 8, Doo Dads, "Bluegrass by the Bay" -- An entertaining hour of bluegrass music and a few sea shanties.

Aug. 15, Moonsqualler, "Songs of Work and Play" -- A five piece acoustical band featuring original and discovered songs of Michigan which tell the stories of working men and women through both literary and folk traditions.

Aug. 22, Bill Jamerson, "Dollar a Day Boys" -- Author/Songwriter/Musician Jamerson weaves a tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corp.

Aug. 29, Lee Murdock, "Great Lakes Chronicles" -- Nationally reknown Musician/Composer/Historian Murdock paints a colorful picture of our Great Lakes state's maritime history through his original compositions and songs.

Sept. 5, Michael Deren, "Great Lakes Schooner Captain" -- Meet the "past in person" and take an imaginative, historical, musical and educational journey as emigrants to Michigan on a Great Lakes schooner during the year of 1875.

Participants should bring their own seating. Stage is located just a short walk from the parking area. In case of inclement weather concerts will be held inside the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center Auditorium. Following each performance, the audience will have an opportunity to meet each performer. For more information, please contact the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at (989) 667-0717.