Summertime Tradition continues at the Cabbage Shed
By Danielle Horvath
A summer tradition for visitors and affectionately known as “the Shed” by the locals, the Cabbage Shed in Elberta has hosted some of the best in Northern Michigan entertainment during its 26-year history. Over the years, owner Jim Clapp has offered just about every kind of live music, from rock & roll to blues and country to swing and Cajun. This summer the tradition will continue with their acoustic style “Back Room Concert Series,” featuring a variety of folk, blues and bluegrass in a concert-like setting.
The Shed has also become a family tradition with daughter Becky Clapp taking on the day-to-day management of the bar and restaurant. “I grew up here, washing dishes at first and now it feels good to be working with Dad and giving him the chance to spend time doing other things he wants to do. And I love keeping the spirit that he started here alive, cause it’s such a cool place.”
Originally built in 1867, it was the area’s first general store; and until the turn of the century, sailing schooners shipped in its supplies. It became a Farmer’s Cooperative in the 1920’s and at one time was stacked with cabbages bound for shipment by rail. Tradition prevailed when Clapp resurrected the Cabbage Shed on August 31, 1985.
With its collage of deserted road signs, plank floors, steaks, ribs, white fish and Fuller’s Ale on tap, it’s a popular meeting place for the locals and a favorite vacation spot for visitors.
The Shed is also rolling out a new menu this summer that will change weekly as they focus on more local, seasonal fare. They have increased their seafood offerings with all new fresh fish including grilled Wahoo with pineapple salsas, poached Halibut in a shrimp and scallops bouillabaisse and grilled tuna Nori rolls. Old favorites like the Shed Sirloin, baby back ribs, sesame crusted whitefish. Shed burgers and their ever-popular homemade borscht and all homemade desserts are also available.
The Shed pours nine draft beers, ales and stouts and scores of bottled brews from around the world. They also stock eleven single malt scotches with handpicked Scottish selections. Other specialties include the world’s best martini (they keep the gin in the freezer) the original Shed Sangria, a super Bloody Mary and a well-balanced wine list.
Check out one of these upcoming performances while enjoying a dinner before or during the show, and a cocktail or two along with great views of Betsie Bay. For more information, call the Shed at 231-352-0843 or check out their website at www.cabbageshed.com.
July 17 – Legacy is an award-winning Irish folk band featuring traditional Irish music out of Mississippi. Tickets are $10 at the door.
July 24 – Josh White Jr., son of legendary blues man Josh White. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
July 28 – The Tannahill Weavers bring traditional music from Scotland's premiere band. "An especially eloquent mixture of the old and new." New York Times. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door.
August 7 – The Laws are a country/folk duo from Canada, $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
August 9 – Mike and Brooks Lindner, these blues men are from Austin, Texas, there is no cover charge.
Aug 12 – Sally Rogers & Claudia Schmidt, a magical collaboration of two of Michigan’s top folk artists. Tickets are
$15 in advance or $18 the night of the show.
August 21 – The Ragbirds, an exciting roots/world music band, tickets are $10 at the door.
