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DOWAGIAC – Known throughout the community for his inspirational music and volunteerism, Jeff Neumann, will stroll in and out of specialty shops in downtown Dowagiac this Saturday, serenading visitors with music to enhance their shopping experience.

The entertainment is being presented Saturday from Noon to 3 p.m. during this community’s Spring Open House Weekend April 25 & 26.  

Organized by Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery, and Claudia Zebell, owner of Rosy Tomorrows, Spring Open House is being underwritten by our friends and associates at Family Fare, Honor Credit Union and The Myers-Henry & Hassle Team @Properties.  “With their help, we are excited to feature activities on Saturday afternoon to engage the public.” Phillipson said.

“We are delighted to have Jeff join us Saturday.  Jeff’s uplifting personality and humor are evident in each performance.  He is truly a joy to work with.”

Neumann is active in volunteer organizations throughout the community.  He has played music and provided leadership groups and special events since 1984. Specializing in praise and worship, Neumann has performed in dozens of area churches and volunteered in multiple venues, providing entertainment, ministry and inspiration.

Neumann performs monthly as a duo with John Secloff, of Edward Jones, under the name “The Salesmen” at The Timbers of Cass County. There they enjoy enriching the lives of others with music, humor and inspiration.  

“I am happy to add to Saturday’s excellent downtown experience,” Neumann said. “In Dowagiac, we are blessed to have many unique and locally-owned shops and restaurants that will be showcased this weekend.”

For his downtown performance, visitors can expect to hear music from The Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel and Sting, along with contemporary favorites.

Downtown visitors Saturday will also see nine to 10 live window mannequins take center stage from Noon to 2 p.m. at specialty shops along Front Street, including Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, The Marshall Shoppe, Oh My – Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Vincent J. Jewelers and Who Knew? Consignment.  

Also on Saturday, a two-part children’s event will be featured.  Children can attend a make-and-take butterfly craft at Isabella Grace from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.  Located in the building that formerly housed Round Oak Restaurant, Isabella Grace is a maker’s retreat center that also includes a fabric and craft store.  

Following the craft workshop, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. a children’s Princess Tea Party will be held at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen. Miss Dowagiac Amelia Bakeman and her Court of Honor will be on hand at both the craft workshop and princess tea to assist children.   

Due to space, advance registration is limited to 24 children, who will receive a free craft kit, tiara, cookies and beverage, and will enjoy storytime and photos with Miss Dowagiac. 

In addition to those shops that feature live storefront mannequins, host sites of Spring Open House also include Flowers by Anna, Isabella Grace and Yarn on Front.

“The weekend promotion that opens Friday provides specialty shops with the opportunity to showcase their new spring and summer merchandise,” Phillipson said.  “Visitors will enjoy drawings, sweet treats and giveaways, and seeing pop-up vendors.”

Bare Naked Salts & Soaps is Friday’s guest vendor at Flowers by Anna. 

On Saturday pop-up vendors include:  SNAP of Michigan adoptions at Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, 10 to 2 p.m.; the Michigan Finklepott hair fairy at Cottage Gallery, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.;  Acres of Grace Natural Soaps at The Marshall Shoppe, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the creator of Dar’s Dips at Rosy Tomorrows, Noon to 2p.m.