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HANCOCK — After a season where the only sounds were those of heavy equipment and jackhammers, the Hancock Tori will have a much more pleasing setting this summer, thanks to the “Tunes in the Tori” program.
When the tori opens for the season this Saturday, patrons will notice a new addition to the tori lineup sure to please everyone who visits. Through a WUPPDR place-making grant awarded to the city’s Finnish Theme Committee, “Tunes in the Tori” will fund live performances by local musicians every Saturday at the tori, which takes place on Finlandia University’s Quincy Green. The musicians will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays for a 10-week span, offering everyone an opportunity to enjoy some local musical talents as well as the crafters and gardeners who comprise the tori vendors.
The concept of the tori has its roots in Finland, and adding music this year further strengthens those ties, which is especially significant this year since Finland is celebrating a century of independence in 2017.
“It’s amazing to see all of the Finnish-American activity taking place in Hancock,” said Finnish Theme Committee chairman David Maki. “I’ve heard from people who’ve lived here much longer than me, and they say there’s as much going on now, culturally-speaking, as ever. This is just another great example of how we here in the Copper Country value and celebrate our cultural heritage.”
“Tunes in the Tori” is scheduled to run from June 3 through the end of August. For more information about this program, call (906) 487-7549.
