The Musical Fountain is located in the sleepy resort town of Grand Haven, Michigan. It is an extravaganza of music, lighting, and water- synchronized to create an astounding theatrical display.  Performances are held after nightfall throughout the summer.

The fountain is set on a hilltop alongside the Grand River. Spectators are seated across the waterway, on a dock area. Seating is comprised of rows of bleachers, and people arrive early to claim their spots. Boats glide on the water as the show starts. It does get chilly, sp dress accordingly or bring a blanket.

Each show varies in theme. Every evening is narrated by a different character- the voice may be male, female, or even a child. The music varies as well. It was an ode to pop music when I ventured to check it out. It was cool; the only similar experience I can compare it to would be the water fountain show at Longwood Gardens- which was totally outstanding, in a never to be duplicated way- firework display included! If you want a side of fireworks with your fountain, please see the event schedule to see which dates  offer fireworks  to accompany the fountain.

Some performances of The Musical Fountain are choreographed by those who are interested in creating a show that may potentially be used as a performance piece. Using a special program, just submit your finished masterpiece online. Now it is a contender for the big prize- a chance to see your light + music water symphony chosen for inclusion into the summer performance series.

The software to produce your own show can be found here.
*Good Luck!*

Visit Grand Haven's website for a list of more things to discover.

Pure mayhem. more pics later.

Once upon a time- the early fifties, in a land far, far away- Phoenix, lived a little girl with golden hair who listened to endless stacks of 45s with her grandfather. He had a serious penchant for country songs and taught his granddaughter to sing. They often sang duets together. Her name was Stevie.

She moved around the country but all the while the music stayed with her, even as her mother proved to be overprotective, virtually locking her up in a tower, where she seldom saw anyone but her family. What remained constant was the mesmerizing sound of her voice; it belonged to a songbird.

At the edge of seventeen, she met her prince- Lindsey Buckingham. Instead of bellowing 'let down your golden hair' and scaling the wall of the tower to rescue her, the lilting melody Lindsey sang was 'California Dreamin' and it was Stevie who would do the rescuing. Lindsey proved to be the more fragile of the pair, relying on Stevie to get them out of the brambles that were surrounding them.

The two wandered around the west coast into the early 70s, recording and releasing material together as a duo. A new chapter began when Fleetwood Mac asked them to become part of the group. They accepted. Lightning did strike, and rumblings of deceit followed.

The tumultuous story-line that played out in Fleetwood Mac could not be contained behind closed doors. It spilled out into their albums, eventually destroying that happy ending. The rumors did not bring down the band and they stayed together, using the tension their advantage, creating countless hits out of turmoil.

Since the beginning, this modern fable always featured a central character- Stevie Nicks. Outside of Fleetwood Mac, she has created her own identity, releasing successful albums and launching worldwide solo tours since the eighties. Stevie recently kicked off her 2012 'In your Dreams' summer tour, her name emblazoned boldly across the marquees.

Which brings this fairy-tale to the present day. In this version, they do not reign over his kingdom. Stevie Nicks is the absolute ruler of the Kingdom. She wrote her own story, page by page, chapter by chapter. She lives happily ever after, in a tower of her own creation, with spectacular ocean views.

Stevie Nicks performed at The Fox Theatre in Detroit as part of her 'In Your Dreams' Tour. She will be joined by Rod Stewart (as noted) on upcoming dates.