Outdoor musical sounds in Marquette are about to find a permanent new home. Dr. Stephen Grugin, Director of the Marquette City Band, recently shared updates on the progress of the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell at Presque Isle Park. As the project reaches its final stages, the community is looking forward to a modern performance space that honors the park's natural beauty and the city's deep musical history.
For years, the Marquette City Band has adapted to the lack of a permanent structure, performing on temporary stages or touring local landmarks like the Lower Harbor and the new pier. The need for a new facility became clear as the ensemble outgrew the original 1935 bandshell. While the historic structure was built for roughly 45 musicians, the current band boasts over 120 active members.
The new bandshell is named in honor of Peg Hirvonen, a long-time supporter of the arts and a dedicated fan of the City Band. A generous grant from the Hirvonen Foundation served as the catalyst for the project, ensuring her legacy remains central to Marquette's musical landscape.
Architect Namdi Alexander (of AWH Architects from Minneapolis) designed the structure to integrate seamlessly into the natural aesthetic of Presque Isle. Key features of the new design include:
- Modern materials & natural light: Large rear windows allow natural light to flow while maintaining a profile reminiscent of the original 1935 shell.
- Acoustic engineering: The shell is specifically shaped to naturally project and reverberate sound, reducing the need for electronic reinforcement.
- Universal accessibility: The space is fully ADA-compliant, ensuring that all performers and audience members can navigate the site.
- Multi-use versatility: Removable riser levels allow the stage to be converted into a large, flat space suitable for the Marquette Symphony, theater performances, dance, and even weddings.
The construction is currently estimated at 95% complete, with final landscaping, paving, and seating installation slated to begin as soon as the spring thaw allows.
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Grugin about the bandshell:
While the new bandshell is expected to host its first official performance in late June, the Marquette City Band has several upcoming events on the horizon:
- Spring Concert: Saturday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium, featuring a medley of Henry Mancini classics.
- Bandshell debut: Scheduled for Thursday, June 25th, marking the official return of music to the Presque Isle site.
For those interested in viewing the architectural site plans or tracking the project's final milestones, information is available on the Marquette City Band website, the City of Marquette’s "MQTCompass" platform, or the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell Patronicity page.
