Saugatuck, Holland, and South Haven, Michigan

By Eric Young Smith

After packing for a modest road trip, we left Wabash, Indiana. We had a full week of workshops and engagements, and knowing it was time to leave our new friends left us wanting more time in all of our past World Fest communities.

Our road trip began with talk of memories and experiences of the tour, and as the miles went by, so did the landscape. As we approached south Michigan toward the southeast corner of Lake Michigan, the topography changed from nurtured farm lands to rolling dunes of sand, and forests ablaze with color, shining in the afternoon sun. It was a perfect day for driving, and our easy approach to Saugatuck was a treat in itself.

We rolled in to meet our new home for the week. This place felt different. The very proximity of the lake was evident in the cool, clean air. And though we could not see water without climbing an array of sand dunes, we felt the magnetism of the lake. It almost seemed to have its own gravity, drawing a person nearer to its majesty.

Monday morning came and we all wanted to get out in this beautiful landscape to see the fall colors and explore this cozy, lakeside town. Many years ago I had the pleasure of spending time in Saugatuck and I knew it to be a town made for summer. The streets, as I remember them, were filled with vacationers strolling the tree-lined walkways and enjoying the shops, cafes, and restaurants.

What I found here this time of year was a small, but very cultured village, on the exhale. After a long season of offering hospitality to travelers and vacationers, Saugatuck was now able to revel in itself and enjoy some “me time.”

I soon came to find that the locals do not go into hibernation during these colder months. Rather, they kick into high gear, being led by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA).

My first interaction with the SCA was different than any other arts centers I have known. SCA depends heavily on volunteers to help lead active and aggressive outreach programs and it could not, it seems, operate without so many inspired, dedicated and motivated volunteers.

We were led by vested SCA volunteers from Holland to South Haven, stopping in schools, youth centers, and senior centers. As the week went along, we were met with greater and greater anticipation. The kids were leaving our workshops inspired and excited to share with their friends and folks. Principals and parents were showing up to tell us how much their kids enjoyed the stories of instrument ancestry and the diverse color of Israeli music and culture.

By the time Saturday’s concert came about, it seemed as if everyone in town knew about Yamma Ensemble. The line for tickets went out the door as anxious music lovers filled the SCA theater. Yamma gave a performance to remember, carrying the audience from Bulgaria to Yemen, from Spain to Turkey, and soon every member of the audience was dancing. Yamma finished to two standing ovations and later couldn’t keep up with the demand for autographed CDs.

For all their help and guidance, special thanks go out to Alan McPhail and Philip Raywood, Barb and Dick Lucier, Charlaine and John Shack, and Mollie and Tom Weber with all the volunteers at SCA who made this wonderful week possible. Thanks as well to Ellen Engle, Kristin Armstrong and Shannon Stewert for handling all the planning and logistics involved in reaching out to children and adults alike. We truly enjoyed sharing this adventure with you and will surely miss your infectious enthusiasm for the art in music and culture. Toda! Shalom!!!

Yamma Ensemble in concert at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Photo by Eric Young Smith.