By Don Koivisto
Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture
To celebrate and recognize the significant role Michigan’s wine industry plays in supporting the state’s economy, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed April as “Michigan Wine Month.” April is the perfect time to visit vineyards and experience sMichigan’s impressive selection of wines. From wine tasting classes, to complete winery tours, the wine industry offers many events for enjoying and learning about Michigan’s award-winning wines.
Michigan’s grape and wine industries contribute nearly $800 million dollars annually to our local economy and provide more than 5,000 jobs across the state. With 14,600 acres of vineyards and 2,000 acres devoted to wine grapes, Michigan is ranked as the fourth largest grape growing state, and eighth in wine grape growing production. Because wine and grape production is a long-term process, an investment in a Michigan vineyard is also a lasting commitment to Michigan’s economy and workforce.
Attracting more than 800,000 visitors annually, the state’s vineyards and wineries offer many options for local tourism. With warmer weather approaching, April offers you a great opportunity to enjoy high quality wines alongside Michigan’s blossoming springtime scenery. Whether you are planning a weekend or simply a day trip, wine tours and tastings deliver an exceptional experience and a chance to discover the rich history of winemaking in Michigan.
Excitement and interest in Michigan wines continues to grow with dramatic increases in sales over the last 10 years. The excellent quality of these local wines has been recognized with more than 800 medals awarded to Michigan wines in various regional and international competitions throughout 2008. Many of these winners received gold medal honors, including wines from Chateau Fontaine, St. Julian, Lemon Creek Winery, and many more. As a matter of fact, Michigan wines have become so popular and nationally recognized that the 2007 A Capella Riesling White Ice Wine from Black Star Farms was served this year at the White House during a Governors dinner.
With increasing interest and a growing acreage of local vineyards, Michigan wines continue to play an integral role in strengthening our state’s economy. So, this month, sample a taste of Michigan and support your local vineyard or winery with a tour or tasting of our state’s finest wines.
For more information regarding Michigan wines, please visit www.michiganwines.com.
Samite, international recording star, to perform Holt concert thanks to local music teacher
HOLT, MI – Holt Public Schools’ choir teacher, Melissa Sigh, has arranged for Samite (Sah-mih-tay), an international recording artist, entertainer and political activist from Uganda, to visit Holt on Friday, April 17, 2009. Mrs. Sigh’s choir students will spend part of their day in an exclusive workshop with Samite to gain an understanding of the cultural aspects of East African music. Samite will return to Holt High School’s Margaret Livensparger Theater auditorium that evening at 7 p.m. for a multi-media performance featuring songs from his seven albums. Mrs. Sigh’s choir students will accompany the world-renowned musician on stage during part of his performance.
While still in high school in Uganda, Samite developed great skills with the western flute. He is acclaimed for his unique vocal style and his remarkable talent as a tireless performer. Samite is also a master of the kalimba (a finger piano), marimba (wooden xylophone), litungu (seven-stringed Kenyan instrument) and traditional African flutes.
After spending much of his life as a political refugee, Samite has been very involved in helping Westerners understand the plight of countless Africans who have been displaced due to political and social turmoil. Samite was instrumental in filming the PBS documentary, “Song of the Refugee,” which demonstrates hope for the future in the midst of the suffering of the Ugandan people. He has been a beacon of hope for Africans in the face of ongoing violence and merciless corruption.
Mrs. Sigh, a Michigan State University graduate, teaches general music at Midway Elementary School and choir at Washington Woods School, both in Holt. The event is financed through choir concerts and CD release parties as well as a generous grant from the Holt Education Foundation. Mrs. Sigh and her students wrote and recorded the music for the CDs as part of their choir classes.
Samite’s evening performance at Holt High School will be open to the public. For more information contact Holt Theater and Event Scheduling at 517-699-6439.
Tickets for the Friday, April 17 performance are $5 for general admission or $20 for preferential seating (the first several rows and the balcony).
