In bed. I don’t even need the squirrely app to tell me a deep band of dark is pushing the precocious peach dawn back out of the sky. The trees are gilded in a false dusk as drops of heavy rain rap an insistent inquiry on my window.
Yesterday was gorgeous. High optimistic clouds dashed across the autumn sky. The last of the red and umber leaves sat as if placed on evergreen shelves, carpeted the paths, kicked and reeled in sheltered swales. The still-strong sun baked the sandy beach at Antrim Creek.
I’m getting the sense that winter in Traverse City can be a formidable adversary, stretching icy fingers across sometimes half the year. The change of seasons, the rounded shoulders and cooling temperatures and the vivid transformation of foliage signal a shift in the city’s social fabric. Residents and visitors alike brace themselves for the harsh winter that lies ahead. Boats plucked from their swim, disappeared and stowed away. Vulnerable shrubs cloaked in burlap and twine and anything that could freeze brought in.
Good things happen too. Pub doors swing open and steam and laughter roll out. The smell of campfire lingers on my coat after a party. The lake shines and scatters light to celebrate the landscape, and invitations begin to fall into my inbox. I think we know that coming together — in promise and in person — reveals the true purpose of seasonal ritual: to strengthen the bonds between individuals and ensure the survival of our city’s life. The promise of coming cold encourages us to draw together in solidarity and seek bright gathering places to ritualize the end of another summer.
One such communal gathering spot is our City Opera House — Front Street’s inlaid architectural gem that serves as a hub for culture, civic life, and the performing arts. Since 1892, she has been a sanctuary for those seeking solace and connection during the colder months. I’m learning that this historic venue is not only a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage but also a symbol of resilience against the alienating elements.
The City Opera House stands as a glowing ember of shared cultural ritual, radiating warmth to all who enter. A place where Traverse City’s residents can escape the chill and immerse themselves in the enchanting world of arts. From concerts to comics, authors to auteurs, City Opera House has consistently offered a diverse range of cultural experiences, proving that art has the power to unite a community.
This month the Plein Air Painters of Northwest Michigan have hung an art show that celebrates the considerable talents of its membership and also the beauty of the region. Local musicians Seth Bernard and Rachael Davis join forces for a concert, Pete the Cat and the music of Paul Simon make triumphant returns to our stage, and in December, three astounding Broadway star tenors celebrate Christmas. Come in and enjoy!
As winter approaches, Traverse City gears up for the festive season. City Opera House is adding a new event to the city’s calendar. We’re calling it the “Holiday Hideaway,” and it coincides with the annual Light Parade — itself an event that symbolizes the banishment of darkness.
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the doors of the City Opera House will swing open to welcome revelers. For a nominal price, anyone can warm up and enjoy the parade from the vantage point of the City Opera House’s big second-floor lobby windows. Enjoy hot cocoa, a signature cocktail, tasty treats, and the warmth of community spirit.
Live performances, like those hosted by the City Opera House, remain an integral and enjoyable part of Traverse City’s cultural life. They serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the community. In a world where digital connections often dominate, the magic of live theater, music, and art unites people in a way that is impossible to replicate through hand-held screens and speakers.
As Traverse City prepares for winter’s long embrace, the City Opera House stands as a beacon of warmth and togetherness. It’s not only a venue for artistic expression but a place where the community can gather, strengthen their bonds, and support one another through the cold months ahead.
In my newly adopted home city, rituals like the “Holiday Hideaway” and the annual Light Parade serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together. It is through shared experiences and the support of cultural institutions like City Opera House that Traverse City’s residents ensure their own survival, binding themselves together in the face of the formidable foe that is winter. Here the changing of seasons is not just a time for reflection; it’s a time for celebration, community, and the preservation of traditions that warm the heart and soul.
For tickets to Holiday Hideaway, as well as our exciting fall line-up including Lewis Black, Verve Pipe, Pete the Cat, Seth and Rachael and more, visit cityoperahouse.org