HudBay Minerals drops Menominee River Back Forty gold mine project

Press release from Wisconsin Resources Protection Council

July 3, 2012

LA CROSSE, WIS. -- HudBay Minerals has severed its business ties with Aquila Resources at the proposed Back Forty gold mine in Menominee County, Michigan. The metallic sulfide mine is planned to be built almost directly under the Menominee River in the Upper Peninsula, a stone’s throw from Wisconsin’s Marinette County.

"This threatens both Wisconsin and Michigan waters," said Al Gedicks, executive secretary of the Wisconsin Resources Protection Council. "HudBay’s proposed mine could severely pollute the Menominee River, affecting citizens downstream in Marinette County, Wisconsin."

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources considered the HudBay mine a Wisconsin issue.

The Back Forty project was one of several gold prospects under development by Aquila Resources, a Canadian company that is exploring for gold at several sites in Wisconsin, including the "Reef" deposit near Wausau and the Lynne site in Oneida County.

A groundswell of citizen opposition has delayed a decision to allow Aquila Resources and two other mining companies from leasing the Lynne deposit.

"A sulfide mine at Lynne poses a clear conflict with our goals of protecting our water resources," said Karl Fate, an Oneida County concerned citizen. "Approximately half of the deposit footprint is covered by wetlands that extend in every direction but the south," said Fate.

The Willow Flowage, just downstream from the proposed mine, is designated as an "Outstanding Resource Water" by the state.

Citizen concerns about the mine’s potential damage to wetlands and the Willow Flowage convinced Noranda Minerals of Canada to abandon the project in 1993.

Both Michigan and Wisconsin opponents of metallic sulfide mining welcome HudBay’s announcement but note the need for continued citizen vigilance to guarantee that common sense conservation prevails.

"We will continue to work with other citizen and tribal groups to protect our water resources from poorly-conceived mining projects in Wisconsin and throughout the upper Great Lakes region," said Al Gedicks.

MDEQ hearing on Orvana Copperwood air, water quality permits: Part 1, Questions

By Michele Bourdieu

James Lorenson, Gogebic Community College president, welcomes Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) staff and thanks them for choosing to hold the June 28, 2012, public hearing on air and water quality permits for the proposed Orvana Copperwood mining project in the area of the project to allow local residents to participate in the hearing. MDEQ officials pictured here at the table are, from right, Steve Casey, MDEQ Water Resources Division district supervisor of the Upper Peninsula District Office; James Caron, Water Resources Division decision maker for the Part 301 and 303 Inland Lakes and Streams and Wetland Protection permits; Mike Bitondo, decision maker for the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) discharge permit; and Andrew Drury, Air Quality Division permit engineer for the Orvana application. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

IRONWOOD -- On June 28, 2012, a large crowd of local residents filled the gymnasium at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Mich., for a public hearing concerning impacts to air quality, inland lakes and streams and wetlands by the proposed Orvana Resources Copperwood mining project -- a potential underground mine for copper and silver to be located just a few miles from Lake Superior near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

This is the first in a series of two articles on the June 28 hearing. It includes video clips with some of the questions asked and responses given by the MDEQ staff during the first part of the hearing. The second article will concern the formal hearing with verbal comments that were presented by members of the audience.

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality officials from the Air Quality Division and the Water Resources Division answered questions from the public during the first half hour of the meeting -- an informational question-answer session. Informational handouts were provided and staff were available to answer individual questions from members of the audience. This part of the hearing was not officially recorded by the MDEQ. During the formal hearing that followed, verbal and written comments were recorded for consideration by decision makers, but questions were not answered in the hearing room. MDEQ staff could be requested to answer questions outside the hearing room.

During the question-answer session, several questions concerned Orvana's plans for a Tailings Disposal Facility to be located less than two miles from Lake Superior.

Questions: Why can't Orvana consider backfilling mine with tailings?

 

Local resident Steve Garske asks why Orvana is not being required to backfill the tailings from the mine. Joe Maki -- MDEQ geologist for the Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals -- who approved the Part 632 mining permit for Orvana's Copperwood project, offers some answers. (Video clips by Keweenaw Now)

Philomena Kebec, attorney for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, asks questions about backfilling the tailings and about job creation to benefit the community.

Steve Garske asks for further clarification on the Tailings Disposal Facility (TDF). Another resident, not identified, asks about the acidity of the runoff from the tailings.

According to Orvana's Alternatives Analysis in their  permit application, "The current mine plan contemplates a 13-year mine life mining a total of +30.3 M ton of ore. Essentially 25 percent of the total reserve tons will be mined during the first four years of mine development and production before any opportunity would exist to place tailings underground. ... As a result of the mine plan, there will be no isolated areas to deposit tailings until the deepest portions of the mine are completely mined with no need for access into these areas." (See p. 12, 5.1 of the Alternatives Analysis for Orvana's explanation of why they do not consider underground tailings disposal a viable alternative.) *

Of the five alternatives considered for the Tailings Disposal Facility (TDF), Orvana preferred the fifth one listed in their Alternatives Analysis, stating the following:

"Alternative 5 was located to avoid impacts to Namebinag Creek and the East Branch Gipsy Creek. The ground at this location is relatively flat, thereby reducing the height of the required downstream dike. In addition, Alternative 5 is more than 1.5 miles at the closest point from Lake Superior. For the most part, the TDF and mill site will not be visible from the Lake of the Clouds overlook at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park due to the low profile of the buildings and the tree cover. A small clearing, however, may be visible from this overlook, and the tops of the TDF dikes may be visible above the tops of trees, although somewhat less visible than Alternative 4 due to a dike height difference of approximately 24 feet. Because the dikes will be vegetated, however, there should be minimal impact to the view shed." (See pp. 20-22, 5.5, for more description of this alternative.) *

Keweenaw Now spoke with Jim Bradley, president of the Friends of the Porkies, who was not able to attend the hearing. Friends of the Porkies is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of all users of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. While the group has not taken a position on the mine, they announced the June 28 hearing on their Web site.

"We're in the process of trying to keep our members informed about issues that affect the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park," Bradley said.

More questions: Water quality, threatened species, wetland impacts, more ...

Local resident Rich Sloat asks about baseline water quality testing for the Orvana project. Steve Casey refers his question to Mike Bitondo (NPDES discharge permit) and Joe Maki (groundwater and monitoring). 

Members of the audience ask questions about a threatened species of orchid located on the mine site, about criteria used by the MDEQ in approving Orvana's preferred alternative for the tailings, and about further comment periods for the project. Jim Caron explains that the Water Resources Division has not yet made a decision or written a permit for the Part 301 and Part 303 application but is in the process of collecting information and comments to assist them in their decision.

According to the Public Notice on stream and wetland impacts of the Orvana project, the access road will cross three different creeks, culverts will be replaced or installed at 14 locations during road construction, two stormwater detention basins totaling more than 13 acres will be constructed south of the TDF and a third detention basin of .31 acres will be constructed near the mill and will discharge into the West Branch of Namebinag Creek. A sewage lagoon outlet pipe will discharge adjacent to this same creek.

This photo shows a portion of Namebinag Creek, which will receive wastewater discharges from the Copperwood project. (Photo © and courtesy John Leddy)

Construction of the TDF will result in the loss of 13,672 linear feet of stream. Nearly 60 acres of wetlands will be impacted by dredging and fill for the project. Wetland mitigation is proposed to be on site. **

According to MDEQ geologist Joe Maki, the type of ore in this mine does not cause acid mine drainage -- a concern expressed in some of the questions at the hearing.

Michigan Tech University Professor Stanley Vitton, right, civil engineer, chats with Steve Casey, MDEQ Water Resources Division Upper Peninsula District supervisor, after the question-answer session. Vitton said he helped Orvana analyze the rock and the soil for the Copperwood project.

Stanley Vitton, Michigan Tech professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, told Keweenaw Now this mine should have "no problem with acid mine drainage because the ore is chalcocite."

While the hearing date, June 28, was also the final day for comments on the Part 55 Air Quality permit for the mining project, comments on the Part 301 Inland Lakes and Streams and Part 303 Wetland Protection permit are still being accepted until the deadline of July 8. Since July 8 is a Sunday, Steve Casey said comments postmarked or emailed on or before July 8 will be considered.

Comments on the Parts 301 and 303 permit can be emailed directly to James Caron, the decision maker, at CARONJ@michigan.gov or sent by mail to James Caron, Department of Environmental Quality Crystal Falls Office, 1420 US2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920 or phone 906-875-2071.

Editor's Notes: These video clips are also available, in a slightly larger size for viewing, on our YouTube channel, Keweenaw News. Note the numbers in the titles to follow the order in this article.

* Click here for Orvana's Alternatives Analysis on the MDEQ Web site.

** Click here for the Public Notice, listing stream and wetland impacts.
Update: Click here for Part 2 of this article, on the formal part of the hearing -- public comments.

Backroom Boys to entertain at Omphale July 6; book signing at Artis Books

The Backroom Boys will be playing music for dancing and listening at the Omphale Gallery and Café from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday, July 6. Pictured here, from left, standing, are musicians Oren Tikkanen, John Munson, Bob Norden and, seated, Randy Seppala. Not pictured, but joining them this Friday will be Belinda on Bass. (Photo courtesy Backroom Boys)

CALUMET -- The Backroom Boys (with Belinda on Bass) will be stirring it up with traditional jazz and swing for Calumet's First Friday at the Omphale Gallery and Café from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday, July 6. Bring your dancing shoes.

And speaking of "stirring it up," the popular Marquette Monthly food columnists Don Curto and Pat Tikkanen will be having a book signing for their book, STIRRING IT UP, next door at Artis Books, also from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. First Friday.

Vertin Gallery to feature art by Patrick Dragon, Ronna Katz through July

CALUMET -- Vertin Gallery invites the public to welcome nationally known artists Patrick Dragon and Ronna Katz -- their featured artists for the month of July.

Carved Tree vessel by Patrick Dragon. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery)

Patrick Dragon is a potter creating intricate and delicate vessels. Dragon wheel-throws his pots, and then through a series of processes adds color and incises shapes to depict natural forms and landscapes. Many layers of clay slip, glaze and special firing methods result in subtle but vibrant imagery, creating what Dragon calls "Biomorphic objects expressing the patterns and shapes I observe and sense on the surface of the earth -- the layers of rock, water, plants, and diverse life forms."

Dragon's work has been exhibited around the world and is in such collections as the White House and the Disney Corporation.

Painter Ronna Katz is an award winning painter and printmaker based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Marquette, Michigan. Katz combines printing and painting techniques and media to create intensely bold landscapes and abstract works based on natural forms. Through the layering of gesso and thin washes of oil color, Katz achieves beautifully illuminant and warm images that capture the eye.

Cloud Nine by Ronna Katz. (Photo courtesy Vertin Gallery.)

A reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, July 6, at the Vertin to welcome Mr. Dragon and Ms. Katz to Calumet. Their work will remain on display through the month of July.

Cheap Therapy to play music in Laurium's Daniell Park TONIGHT, July 5

LAURIUM -- The Cheap Therapy band will perform a variety of favorite tunes beginning at 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Thursday, July 5, at Daniell Park in Laurium.

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy music and good weather.

Copper Country Associated Artists to host "An Evening of Orchids and Rare Wildflowers with Harvey Desnick" July 6

CALUMET -- The Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) Gallery will host "An Evening of Orchids and Rare Wildflowers with Harvey Desnick" from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on First Friday, July 6.

Red Anemone by Harvey Desnick. (Photo © Harvey Desnick and courtesy Copper Country Associated Artists.)

Desnick, a CCAA member since 2009, has been photographing the wildflower splendor of the Upper Peninsula for many years. He simply could not resist photographing the beauty around him and finally amassed a collection of pictures -- which is now displayed at Finlandia University's Jutila Center in Hancock. He has also published the book Blooming Seasons.

Desnick has also developed a slide show which presents both common and uncommon orchids found in this splendid area. At the CCAA on First Friday he will share his close-up photography of Orchids and Rare Wildflowers and will talk about where to find these species as well as how to photograph them without spending a tremendous amount of money on equipment. The talk will go from 7 p.m. until about 7:30 p.m., but his slides will be available for viewing continuously throughout the evening.

Copies of his book will be available for sale and for signing.

The Copper Country Associated Artists Gallery is at 205 Fifth St. in Calumet. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and First Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Paint a bowl for the Empty Bowls Project at Calumet Art Center July 6

CALUMET -- The Calumet Art Center's Anna Klobuchar-Clemenc Gallery welcomes the public to celebrate First Friday in Calumet by painting a bowl for the Empty Bowl Project to help fight hunger in the Keweenaw.

Calumet Art Center Volunteer Doug Middleton collects donations for the Empty Bowls Project at Café Rosetta in June, while a family enjoys some gourmet soup for the project. Other restaurants and cafés are invited to participate by serving soup for one day, with proceeds to benefit local food pantries. Donors receive a hand-painted bowl as well as a bowl of soup for a $10 donation. (Photo by Joanne Thomas for Keweenaw Now)

The Center, at 57055 Fifth Street, will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 6.

The Empty Bowls Project, an international effort to fight hunger, is a community-based fundraiser designed to create awareness of food insecurity and to generate income for local food pantries. Since April, groups and individuals -- including children accompanied by an adult -- have been coming to the Calumet Art Center to decorate the bowls. 

Restaurants and cafés will be invited to serve soup to customers who donate $10 for one of the decorated bowls. The café/restaurant will serve the soup in one of their own bowls and the customer will take home the decorated bowl.

Editor's Note: See our April 30, 2012, article, "Empty Bowls Project to fight hunger kicks off at Calumet Art Center" and visit www.calumetartcenter.com for details on the project.

From Central Michigan LIFE: MSA Director Nana Korsah remembered as friendly, advocate for students

Professor Nana Korsah, former chair of the Finlandia University Business Department and, more recently, Central Michigan University director of Master of Science Administration, passed away last month at age 64. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. -- The Central Michigan LIFE, an independent newspaper at Central Michigan University, has published an article in memory of the late Professor Nana Korsah, former chair of the Finlandia University Business Department, who had been teaching at Central Michigan University for three years when he passed away recently. Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Warm, generous and caring.

"These are words coworkers used to describe the late Nana Korsah, 64, Central Michigan University’s director of Master of Science Administration, who passed away over the weekend.

"Korsah died from an apparent heart attack, said Denise Schafer, MSA coordinator, in an email to her staff.

"'Any of you who had ever met this kind and scholarly man will know how much he will be missed,' Schafer said in the email. 'He was a dear and gentle soul; always the student advocate and supporter.'"

Click here to read the rest of this article.

Editor's Note: Keweenaw Now wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dr. Korsah.

Paul Grant watercolor exhibit to open July 6 at Ziyad and Co. (formerly Ed Gray Gallery)

CALUMET --  Ziyad and Co., formerly the Ed Gray Gallery, is proud to feature the work of Marquette artist Paul Grant during the month of July. Grant has been a resident of Northern Michigan since 1965 and has enjoyed wide acclaim for his artistry and versatility in both watercolor and oil.

Watercolor by Marquette artist Paul Grant. (Image courtesy Ziyad and Co.)

Paul Grant's show opens with an artist reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 6, at the gallery, 109 Fifth St., Calumet.

Primarily a portrait artist by conviction, Grant is equally capable in landscape and wildlife art. His watercolors and oils cover a wide variety of subjects and techniques, allowing the subject to dictate the technique. Paul studied art at the Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Mich., and apprenticed with Robert Sailors, Weaving Designer. A signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Grant has garnered numerous prizes in regional and national shows. His versatility has allowed him to illustrate several books and magazines, including stories for Reader's Digest Condensed Books, Gray's Sporting Journal and others. Grant was a friend and fishing buddy of the late John Voelker -- sharing flies, stories and bourbon for over twenty years.

Finn Hall dance to celebrate "Down from Basswood" July 7

HANCOCK -- Author Lynn Maria Laitala and special musical guests will present an evening of traditional "Finn Hall" fun from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

The dance is in celebration of Laitala’s classic book, Down from Basswood, which is to be re-published in spring 2013 by University of Wisconsin Press. The book is a collection of 23 interconnected short stories about people of northern Minnesota, particularly Finnish immigrants and their interaction with Native Americans.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to bring their dancing shoes and a snack to share.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is located at 435 Quincy Street in downtown Hancock.

For additional information, please call 906-487-7505.

Mountain bike shuttle bonus in Copper Harbor today, July 5

COPPER HARBOR -- The Keweenaw Adventure Company van has been chartered by a group this afternoon, July 5, for a "bonus" day of downhill mountain bike shuttle runs. It
will be open to the public between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. -- $18.50 day pass/ will honor season pass holders.

The Thursday night group ride is on for 6 p.m., although realistically will be closer to 6:15-6:30 p.m.  Après ride to follow at the Mariner North.

Head up to the Harbor to join in the 5th of July celebration!

UPDATED: Deadline for comments on Orvana Parts 301, 303 permit is July 8

MARQUETTE -- The Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Water Resources Division is receiving comments on the application by Orvana Resources US Corporation for a permit under Part 301 Inland Lakes and Streams and Part 303 Wetland Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, in order to dredge and fill wetlands and streams for the purpose of constructing their proposed Copperwood mine for copper and silver -- including an access road, mine entrance, mill, tailings basin (tailings to be disposed on site and above ground) and related structures.

The project is located northwest of Camp 7 Grade and County Road 519 near Wakefield, Michigan, not far from the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

A public hearing on the permit was held on June 28, 2012.* The deadline for comments is next Sunday, July 8, 2012. Keweenaw Now, in error (now corrected), previously posted the deadline as coinciding with the June 28 air permit deadline; but we learned at the hearing that the deadline for the Part 301 Inland Lakes and Streams and Part 303 Wetland Protection permit is actually ten days after that hearing.

Since July 8 falls on a Sunday, "As long as the remarks are postmarked or emailed on or before July 8, they will be considered timely," Steve Casey, MDEQ Water Resources Division district supervisor of the Upper Peninsula District Office, told Keweenaw Now today.

A description of the impacts on streams and more than 58 acres of wetland is given in the Notice of Public Hearing on the DEQ Web site.

Click here for the Orvana Permit Application and more details.

UPDATE:
Click here to submit comments on line. You can also submit written comments on the Part 301 and Part 303 permit directly to the decision maker: James Caron, Department of Environmental Quality Crystal Falls Office, 1420 US2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920 or email him at CARONJ@michigan.gov or phone 906-875-2071.

* Editor's Note: Watch for an article on the June 28, 2012, hearing, coming soon.

"Trio Bibliothèque" to perform at "Music on the Menu" July 6

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites everyone to bring a lunch and enjoy "Music on the Menu," an outdoor series of events held on the dock outside the library.

"Trio Bibliothèque" will perform from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 6. Libby Meyer on fiddle, Anna Gawboy on concertina, and Oren Tikkanen on guitar will play a lively and eclectic mix of folk music and other genres.

Everyone is invited to eat, relax, and enjoy the lunch hour while listening to some great music. In the event of bad weather, the program will be held in the community room.

This event is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program and is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Churning Rapids to host 15th Annual Horsetail Scramble July 4

Runners and walkers cross the finish line during the July 4, 2011, Horsetail Scramble at Churning Rapids Trails. Chip Ransom, right, helps with timing. (Photos by Keweenaw Now) 

HANCOCK -- The 15th Annual Horsetail Scramble will be held on Wednesday, July 4, at Churning Rapids Trails. A 10-k Trail Run and 5-k Fitness Walk will begin at 1 p.m. at Churning Rapids, 53044 Hwy M203 -- 4.5 miles north of Hancock Beach. Registration for the Run and Walk is on site from 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Visitors enjoy a potluck feast at the 2011 Horsetail Scramble event.

At 2:30 p.m. the winner(s) of the Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw Award will be announced.* If you wish to join in the feast at 3 p.m., bring a dish to share and your own place setting. Games for all ages will follow the feast.

Kids and adults have fun during the banana-eating contest, one of several games at the 2011 Horsetail Scramble.

The event is hosted by Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen Kingsley. Call 906-482-6827 for more information.

* Click here to learn about the Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw Award.

Carnegie Museum to host Open House for new exhibits July 5

HOUGHTON -- The Carnegie Museum will host an Open House from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 5. The public is invited to join in celebrating the opening of the museum's new exhibits: "Written in Stone: Exploring the Natural History of the Jacobsville Sandstone" and "Maass Brothers: Copper Country Architects."

Please note the Carnegie Museum's expanded summer hours. Beginning Thursday, July 5, the Carnegie Museum will be open five days a week: Tuesday noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday noon to 5 p.m., Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.

For more information please contact Elise Nelson, director, at elisen@cityofhoughton.com or call (906) 482-7140.

The Carnegie Museum is located on the corner of Huron and Montezuma streets in Houghton,

Pine Mountain Music Festival to present organ, trumpet concert July 3 in Calumet

Organist Jeremy David Tarrant, center, will be joined by trumpet players Mark Flaherty, left, and Joel Neves in a concert July 3 at the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Pine Mountain Music Festival)

HANCOCK -- Pine Mountain Music Festival is thrilled to welcome organist Jeremy David Tarrant to the U.P. at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, at the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne’s in Calumet. He will be joined by trumpet players Mark Flaherty (Marquette Symphony Orchestra) and Joel Neves (Conductor, Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra). The program repertoire will include Mendelssohn’s Sonata No. 2 in C minor, Schumann’s Sketch in C minor, Scarlatti’s Sonata in D major and C major, and Rheinberger’s Adagio espressivo, as well as others.

Mr. Tarrant is Organist and Choirmaster of the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit where, in addition to playing the organ for liturgies and concerts, he conducts the Choir of Men and Boys (now in its 120th season), The Cathedral Girls’ Choir, and the Cathedral Chamber Singers. He is also Artistic Director for Music at the Cathedral, an annual concert series. Mr. Tarrant joined the Cathedral staff in 1994 as Assistant Organist and, prior to that appointment, worked in several churches in his native Michigan.

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, he was awarded First Prize in the Ottumwa National Organ Competition in 1997 and Second Prize in the Arthur Poister National Competition in 1998. In 1993 he was a Winner of the Lucille Mehaffie Young Artists’ Competition which resulted in a televised performance during the Kalamazoo Bach Festival. Mr. Tarrant has also been a finalist in the American Guild of Organists Regional Competitions.

Active as an concert organist, Jeremy David Tarrant has performed widely in North America in such venues as the Washington National Cathedral; St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue; St. James Cathedral, Toronto; St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York; and Chicago’s famed Fourth Presbyterian Church. Mr. Tarrant has performed with the Western Michigan University Brass Quintet and frequently appears with the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings. He has been particularly noted for his insightful performances of French organ music of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; but, whatever the composer being played, Tarrant’s solid musicianship has earned him the reputation of a first-rate performer.

Tickets for this event are $20 for adults and $10 for children and students. Tickets are on sale at the Michigan Tech Ticketing Services located at the Michigan Tech Student Development Complex or by calling 877-746-3999.  Tickets are also available at the door.

Pine Mountain Music Festival presents a season of opera, classical and popular music each June-July in the Dickinson County area, the Marquette area, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and other towns in the Upper Peninsula. Headquartered in Hancock, Michigan, it is supported by donations, ticket sales and grants. For more information about the 2012 Festival Season, visit www.pmmf.org or call 888-309-7861. For tickets, call 1-877-746-3999.