Summer events in full gear at The War Memorial
From a concert series and children’s camp, to lectures about Normandy, France and World War II, summer at The War Memorial is promising to be an inspired time for all.
The War Memorial’s outdoor event venue, Les Braves Park and Gardens in Grosse Pointe Farms, is the perfect location to enjoy the bliss of lakeside breezes and the sense of community that comes from experiencing live, outdoor performances. Join us as we turn the back lawn of the historic Alger House into a concert venue with a community greenspace to enjoy. Sit back and relax – you’re guaranteed a summer evening you won’t forget.
The series schedule is Planet D Nonet: A Salute to Duke Ellington on July 20; Detroit Opera: Summer Serenade on July 27; and Bluewater Kings: The Soul Experience on Aug. 17. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. with tickets starting at $15. Tickets can be purchased on The War Memorial’s website.
The Planet D Nonet jazz band performs the music of some of the greatest jazz musicians and composers of all-time, while Detroit Opera sings musical selections from well-known opera and musical theatre pieces. Bluewater Kings: The Soul Experience consists of some of the top Detroit musicians who jam to musical hits from Motown to funk, to soul to Top 40.
For the youngsters in your life, The War Memorial once again offers Campville USA – summertime day camps for kids and teens. Camp runs through August and includes mini-camps like Mad Science, Creative Nature Art and Design, Elena Victoria Sewing and Fashion Design, and Kids Empowered.
The goal of Campville at The War Memorial is to inspire children all summer long. Our camps, workshops and programs help foster independence and confidence, even in our youngest participants. Learn something new, build new friendships, and create lifelong memories.
Following the dedication of Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge in May, The War Memorial is excited to welcome Steve Mrozek, executive director of the Selfridge Military Air Museum, as he presents three noteworthy lecture topics on Normandy, France. The series began in June with the lecture “The Road to the Great Crusade,” where he highlighted the significant events that lead to the Normandy invasion.
In his career, Mrozek has worked with historical museums where his enthusiasm about military history has fueled his dedication to the field. His 26-year long career serving in the Army National Guard also explains his passion and return to Selfridge. Mrozek served over 10 years in Company F, 425th Infantry, a Long Range Surveillance unit stationed at Selfridge until deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 attached to the 82nd Airborne.
“The Airborne Phase of Overlord” on Tuesday, July 11 will share Mrozek’s expertise on the equipment and training that paratroopers and glider-borne troops used in 1944 against the extensive airborne assault as well as sharing what it took to insert three allied airborne divisions within enemy lines. The final lecture is set for Aug. 8, titled “Operation Cobra, The Beachhead Break Out.” It will explore the overlooked aspect of the Normandy campaign and the consequential risks that were involved. Mrozek will dive into how the armies of the allied nations fought in the challenging hedgerow in Normandy.
To learn more about The Great Crusade Lecture Series, click here.
For those interested in holding an event at The War Memorial this coming winter, the organization is running a special offer, where, if you book an event between December 2023 and April 2024, you will get 50% off room rental and a free tray of passed hors d’oeuvres.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, is an experiential space open to everyone from everywhere. For more than 70 years, it has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Manager of Communications
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org