One might ask where does the name Point Counterpoint II derive? Because it was constructed at the “Point,” the location in Pittsburg where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers join to form the Ohio. “Counterpoint” because the barge is a vehicle for music. And “II” because after the first barge proved inappropriate for navigating the canals and locks of America, the Boudreaus commissioned a second barge from Kahn. He designed it in the early 1970s specifically to tour the country playing American music on the occasion of the bicentennial, 1976. Kahn, however, died in 1974, two years before it was completed.

Imagine the Manistique Marina abuzz with excitement at the approach of the world's most unusual showboat, Point Counterpoint II, with flags flying and music playing, heralding the visit of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra.

Music, Arts, and Fireworks at the Manistique Marina!

The City of Manistique proudly presents the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, and would like to extend an invitation to all residents with an special emphasis for our area youth. For 53 years the American Wind Symphony has performed to thousands from a floating stage. The 195 foot, 38 foot vessel is called Point Counter Point II and is filled with artworks and fine crafts. The captain of this ship Robert A. Boudreau is also the conductor and the whole show is a life time experience. One of the most important initiatives of the AWSO has been its focus on waterfront developments in communities large and small. The AWSO has been a catalyst in bringing people together in places as far as St. Petersburg, Russia and Paris, France, Morgan City LA, or Toronto Canada.

Mr. Robert Boudreau is a captain of a ship traveling the worlds waterways for 53 years, a director, and one of the most energetic person one can meet, his musicians are a remarkable group of young people. Their talents and abilities exemplify AWSO uniqueness bringing music, arts, and culture to our community and friends. It is our mission to appeal to our community of young people who are equally passionate about music and its influences by keeping music as a higher revelation and culturally true. We hope to provide new passions and tastes, so our new youth culture can continue the arts to a future of new generations. Nothing separates the generations more than music, however we believe the American Wind Symphony Orchestra visit will bring people together of all ages, allowing all of us to experience this rare musical and cultural opportunity in the spirit of unity. Everyone can agree that people everywhere are the same in heart and spirit despite the musical and cultural differences we might think separates us. Mr. Boudreau and his staff along with our AWSO Committee request that each and every young person be provided an opportunity to view our Main Waterfront Concert on Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 starting at 7:30 P.M. At the Manistique Marina. Admission is free to everyone, venders will be on site to serve food and beverages!
Since March of this year, Manistique AWSO Committee has been working feverishly by raising money to pay for for the AWSO visit this July 13th through July 16th. Point Counter Point II will be docking at the Manistique Marina, at the same spot as the Vietnam Memorial wall was constructed along the Manistique River. The vessel has it's own stage as the hydraulic roof rises, all 45 AWSO musicians ensue from all around the world play wonderful music. All 45 AWSO musicians stay with host family's in the Manistique area, our goal is to house the young musicians in homes where there is an student studying the same instrument. The AWSO Committee is proud to announce that all AWSO musicians have been successfully placed with Manistique area host families. Our community should be very proud of our host families for opening their homes to these fine young musicians.

The American Wind Symphony Orchestra is something you would expect to see in areas such as San Diego, Chicago, or Milwaukee for example. Our small waterway community is about to experience an event that communities comparable to ours can only hope for. It will be a busy July in the Manistique area, with the American Wind Symphony visit it will bring many folks to our area! The very presence of a 195 feet long, 38 feet wide vessel resting along the Manistique River bank in plain view from U.S. Highway 2 will draw certain attention. The American Wind Symphony Orchestra Committee of Manistique suggests to everyone in our community that his will be one the classiest act's ever brought to the Manistique area!

On board tours of Point Counterpoint II (floating music-arts museum) will be available!