Porterhouse Productions snags big-name talent for summer events in northwest Michigan

Sam Porter's not your typical concert producer. He believes everyone should prosper from his events.

"When we approached the city about holding outside events, I asked, 'Why not let us add a facility and maintenance fee on the ticket price and raise a few thousand dollars for you?' They couldn't believe it," said Porter, owner of Traverse City's Porterhouse Productions.

Or how about the fact Porterhouse Production's events help fund college scholarships for local students? And that "green" practices such as recycling and eco-ticketing are part of his company's business plan?

This visionary approach of making community events a "win-win" for all involved seems to have caught on. On Thursday, July 15, in conjunction with the National Writers Series, his company brings New York Times best-selling author Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler's Wife) to the City Opera House along with guest host Walter Kirn, New York Times book reviewer and best-selling author of Up In The Air.

Porter, who has a second office in Bozeman, Montana, and learned his craft in the Rocky Mountain towns of Boulder and Telluride, has five festivals planned for August.

The first event -- Paella in the Park -- is Friday, August 6 at 5 p.m. at Clinch Park. A $35 ticket buys local wine, samples of paella and entertainment by Blues Traveler.

Then on Aug. 14 at 5 p.m., an evening with Chef Mario Batali will be held on the lawn of Grand Traverse Commons. The event features dishes inspired by his cookbooks, a question-and-answer session and entertainment. Tickets range from $35 to $100 and include Batali food entrees.

Other upcoming events include two festivals combining music and beer. The three-day Hoxeyville Music Festival opens Aug. 20 in Wellston. Set within the natural stage of the Manistee National Forest, the event has a capacity of 6,500, features an adjacent campground, and tickets start at $99.

Porterhouse Production's biggest event is the TC Summer Microbrew and Music Festival Aug. 27 and 28 on the Grand Traverse Commons Lawn with 150 craft-brewed beers and a range of musicians -- last year's festival attracted 8,000 attendees. Tickets are $30 to $50.

Writer: Tom Tracey
Source: Sam Porter