Fans at the Ferris State University men’s and women’s basketball games enjoyed musical offerings by string ensemble Fiddlers ReStrung during halftimes on Saturday, Feb. 5. The group provided a full performance at the Big Rapids High School Auditorium later in the evening. All performances were provided as a part of Big Rapids' Fourth Annual Festival of the Arts.

The ensemble, which consists entirely of high school string musicians from Saline, treated audiences to enthusiastic performances in its unique style. Students in the group help to create their own arrangements of bluegrass, Celtic, folk and traditional Appalachian pieces. They have performed across the U.S. and overseas, though they perform most frequently in the Midwest. The ensemble is also instrumental in raising funds and awareness for charitable causes such as Toys for Tots.

The Festival of the Arts offers more concert experiences throughout the week. The Grand Percussion Group will fill Ferris’ Williams Auditorium with rhythm at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10. General admission costs $5, and student tickets cost $3. The Holiday Inn of Big Rapids will host the Flat River Band of Greenville for a free Big Band Dance Night on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 7 to 11 p.m., and celebrated local composer and pianist Michael Shansky will give a free solo concert at First United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13.

More information on these and all other festival events is available at www.ferris.edu/festival. The 2011 Festival of the Arts continues through Feb. 27.