Our theatres may be quiet during the summer months, but the warm temps and sunshine provide ample opportunity to make music and engage with our community in the great outdoors! This summer has been no exception.

June started with FIM joining in the 100-Year Anniversary Celebration for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation during their Centennial Family Fun Days. FIM provided a stage and a full afternoon of local talent, including the premiere of a new piece of music performed by the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Youth Chorus and Mama Sol. The piece was commissioned for a short music video to capture the vision of Flint supported by the Mott Foundation, and the film, “Representing Flint,” premiered at the event following the live performance.

This summer of community also included music-making at the Cultural Center’s Juneteenth Celebration. Music Around Town provided the tunes while Cultural Center partners, volunteers and community members came together to celebrate freedom, culture and connection.

The Annual July 4th Celebration and Flint Water Fest took place in Downtown Flint again this year, building on the success of last year’s 10th anniversary event and joining in nationwide America250 celebrations. The day featured a carnival midway, pickleball games, food trucks and a kids’ zone, plus a mainstage provided by FIM. Unfortunately, one noteable performance could not go on as planned due to weather. As part of an NEA America250 grant, the performance was meant to feature the premiere of “Fanfare for Liberty,” commissioned by FIM, composed by Flint native and FPSA alumnus Jonathan Bailey Holland, and performed by members of the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a visiting youth orchestra from Limonest, France. We plan to premiere the piece at a later date. Please stay tuned!

Despite the change, the fun event wrapped in festive celebration, while Beyoncé tribute band “Crazy in Love” performed over fireworks.