TRAVERSE CITY — Hospice of Michigan is bringing its fundraising event Barley, BBQ and Beats to Traverse City for the first time next weekend.
The Oct. 20 event will include hand-crafted beverages from area distilleries, barbecue dishes from six Michigan eateries and live music. Vendors include The Chubby Unicorn of Traverse City, Grand Traverse Distillery, Schultz Popcorn and Vegan Baddies of Detroit.
One local participant is Smoke and Porter Public House. Chef and Owner Henry Bisson said rather than traditional barbecue items like ribs, they will be making shrimp and grits. They have served this at the restaurant before and wanted to showcase it at the event, he said.
“It’ll be a nice little comfort food for the cooler season,” Bisson said. “We consider barbecue just cooking with the wood. Smoking has a broader use. This is our thing, not just barbecue.”
Bisson said he will poach the shrimp in butter and put it in the smoker. This dish also includes andouille sausage, grits, peppers and other ingredients.
He added that he is glad they can participate in the community event this year.
Hospice of Michigan Philanthropy Manager Elaine Taule said they have hosted the Barley, BBQ and Beats fundraiser around the state since last spring.
“It’s a whiskey, barbecue and music festival or fundraiser,” Taule said. “This will be our fifth event in Traverse City.”
The events are to raise money for the organization’s Open Access program. Taule said this program “provides hospice care to all” regardless of their age, financial situation or other factors.
“It’s not just for the patient; it’s for the family,” she said. “All the money raised will be used locally.”
Taule said Hospice of Michigan served 153 patients and their families locally during the week of Oct. 9.
Hospice services include social work, grief support, massage and music therapy — something Taule said they hope to bring to Traverse City.
Though the Traverse City fundraiser is sold out, Taule said people can donate to the Open Access program at hom.org. The Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation will match donations up to $250,000.
Hospice of Michigan is already planning to announce the 2024 Traverse City event within the next couple months, Taule added.
