Birch Creek Opens 2025 Season with “In the Groove: 5 Decades of Birch Creek Percussion”
EGG HARBOR, Wis. (June 6, 2025) – Birch Creek Music Performance Center opens its landmark 50th season on Thursday, June 19 with “In the Groove: 5 Decades of Birch Creek Percussion.” This celebratory concert launches the Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music session inside the historic Dutton Concert Barn and marks the beginning of a summer filled with world-class performances by faculty, guest artists, and outstanding student musicians.
Opening night at Birch Creek is a festive gathering of concertgoers, students, faculty, volunteers, and supporters who return year after year to experience the energy and excellence of live music. The evening celebrates the start of the Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music session, the first of three summer programs that also include Symphony and Big Band Jazz concerts.
Now in his 27th season at Birch Creek and tenth as Program Director, Dan Moore (Professor of Percussion at the University of Iowa) leads a renowned faculty of professional musicians. Concertgoers can expect a dynamic blend of Caribbean steel pan, traditional and contemporary percussion, world music, jazz, and reimagined pop favorites, all performed by faculty artists and advanced student musicians.
The concert series continues with “Percussion Hit Parade: Alumni Edition” on Friday, June 20 and a 3:00 PM matinee of “In the Groove: 5 Decades of Birch Creek Percussion” on Saturday, June 21. Later in the session, “Percussion Hit Parade: Volume II” will be presented on Thursday, June 26, followed by “Caribbean Cruise: The Art of Steel Pan” on Friday, June 27, with 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM performances. Internationally acclaimed steel pan virtuoso Victor Provost, the session’s featured guest artist, will be showcased in both Friday performances and again on Saturday, June 28 during the closing night concert, “The ‘Hits’ Keep Coming.”
Concerts begin at 7:00 PM unless noted otherwise, with prelude music by student ensembles at 6:30 PM in the Kane Gazebo courtyard. Tickets are available online at BirchCreek.org/Tickets or by phone at (920) 868-3763. Prices are $33 for adults, $10 for students, and $6 for children (11 and under), with premium seating available for $40 in the front-center section. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.
The 50th anniversary season continues in July with the Symphony session and wraps up in August with Big Band Jazz. Each session will feature its own guest artists, world-class faculty, and tributes to Birch Creek’s rich history—including special performances, commemorative displays, and more. For the full concert schedule and season highlights, visit BirchCreek.org/Tickets.