The annual Port Huron Art on the River event is set to take place this weekend at Kiefer Park.
“Art on the River is a three-day art and music festival hosted by Citizens for a Vibrant Community,” CVC President Trina Avedisian said. “We support the arts and make our community a vibrant place to be. This year’s event features 30-plus artists and crafters.”
The event, which will include arts, crafts, music, a beverage tent and food vendors, will run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 7, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 8 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9.
“Every year we have a featured artist,” Avedisian said. “This year it will be Candy Paeth. Candy will be showing her art, as well as working on a painting — weather permitting — that will be given back to the community and eventually sold.”
Paeth is a lifelong resident of Michigan, according to the event website, artontheriverph.com.
“Inspired by nature, her work bears witness to the simplicity and beauty that surrounds us every day,” a description on the website reads. “Blue water, ever-changing skies, beautiful sunrises and great beaches. Considered a mixed media artist working in acrylic and clay, she creates art that brings a sense of calm to our chaotic lives. The organic properties of clay, the expressive nature of paint help her capture that special beauty only found in nature. Exhibiting her artwork at local art fairs and galleries in Port Huron, St. Clair, Marine City, Pentwater and Caseville. She invites you to feel the calming tranquil effects of her work and to share in her passion.”
Avedisian said the Blue Water Art Association will be joining in by showing its art, doing some plein air — painting outdoors — and hosting a kids painting area.
“The kids can do a watercolor and it will be hung for people to view,” she said. “Sort of a mini-kids art show.”
Avedisian said there will be great musicians all weekend long.
“This year the stage will be packed with stars,” she said.
On June 7, Blue Blaze will perform at 5:30 p.m., Barbara Payton and the Instigators will perform at 7 p.m. and Brotha Earth will perform at 9 p.m.
“Barbara sang with Bob Seger and Kid Rock, among other great accomplishments in her career,” Avedisian said. “After that, Brotha Earth will return. People may remember Rare Earth in Detroit back in the day. Well, this is them with some old songs and even new songs.”
The June 8 lineup will begin with Detroit Blu performing at 3 p.m.
“Local drummer Donnie Burton has joined this band and they are wonderful, winning awards at a blues festival last year,” Avedisian said.
Jim Cummings Band will follow at 4:30 p.m.
“Jim is an amazing blues guitarist and if you want to see something great, you have to be there,” Avedisian said.
After, Eliza Neals will perform at 6:30 p.m.
“Eliza is a bluesy singer and has a Janis Joplin sound,” Avedisian said. “Eliza has been touring the United States and Europe and we are blessed to have her make a stop here.”
Rounding out the Saturday lineup will be the Bob Murray Band at 8:30 p.m.
“Bobby has played guitar for Etta James, B.B. King and other great stars,” Avedisian said. “Bobby has Grammy Awards and will be here in Port Huron. Bobby will bring the Woodward Horns, Tosha Owens and Lenny Watkins of Detroit. This will be a must-see show. You don’t get to see a lineup like this anywhere else in the Blue Water Area.”
She said there is more fun entertainment scheduled for June 9. The website states that Dion Turner, The Eatles Reunion Tour and Restoration Christian Community Church are set to perform.
“And we have some big news: We are partnering with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to do a food drive the entire weekend,” she said. “All the proceeds will stay in St. Clair County where the need is great. We want to make this the best food drive ever so we urge everyone to bring one or more items to donate.”
Avedisian added that every year, Art on the River gives help to different organizations.
“We gave money to the Port Huron Northern Choir a few years back because they needed new music for competition,” she said. “We have supported veterans groups, P.S. You’re My Hero and many more.”
She said organizers estimated about 8,000 to 10,000 people attended last year’s festival.
“We hope to see even more this year and pray for great weather so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the location we are in,” she said.
She said it takes a full year to plan for the event, raise funds and get everything in place. Organizers take three weeks off after the event and then go right into planning.
“We have had so much positive feedback from people in the past,” she said. “We have been compared as a mini Arts, Beats and Eats. As we go, we continue to grow the event.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to about the event, Avedisian said there are so many great parts about Art on the River and she enjoys all of it.
“I mean, all the musicians are so great and I get to see them all and talk to them,” she said. “But truth be told, I have already been planning my shopping spree with all the artists and crafters. I do all my Christmas and birthday shopping at Art on the River and my family and friends love the one-of-a-kind items.”
Kiefer Park is located at 500 Merchant St. in Port Huron. For more information about Art on the River, visit artontheriverph.com or facebook.com/artontheriver.
