Esky Baroque

ESCANABA — The music scene in Escanaba has become even more diverse in recent years as “Esky Baroque” takes the stage. The group varies in size and composition as they perform a variety of music from the Baroque period ( the years 1600 to 1750 or so); it can include strings (violin, viola, cello, bass), harpsichord, recorder, oboe, bassoon, trumpets, percussion, vocalists, organ and more.

Ordinarily, concerts have been held at St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church or First Presbyterian Church, but they have also performed at Escanaba Public Library and the Escanaba Marina. Esky Baroque is planning a casual, lunch-hour performance at Bobaloons this spring, in addition to their spring concert on May 10.

“Some people may think that early Classical music will be unrelatable, but this music is timeless,” says instrumental director Rachel Capon. “We really believe Baroque can be enjoyed in a cathedral or out on a lawn.”

Esky Baroque pulls from a lot of local talent, including professionals, amateurs and students. Their concert on May 10th will feature the winner of a Youth Concerto contest and the music of Vivaldi, Bach, Purcell, and Telemann (7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church).

“Even in a small town like Escanaba, there are a lot of Classical Music Rock Stars,” says Rebecca Bender, violist. “The people who wrote this stuff were brilliant and it is fun to bring it back to life.”

Public performances are free of charge, although free will donations have been collected to support future concerts and other local nonprofits.