Humanity In Harmony

This Years Performers

Mustard’s Retreat

Mustard’s Retreat has been a beloved presence in American folk music since forming in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1975. Built around rich harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and an enduring connection with audiences, the group has performed more than 7,500 shows across a remarkable five-decade career. Their music blends warmth, humor, storytelling, and social reflection, carrying forward the folk tradition while remaining distinctly their own. Through original songs and carefully chosen favorites, Mustard’s Retreat continues to celebrate the community, humanity, and hope at the heart of folk music.

Dort Honors String Quartet

It has become a tradition for the Dort Honors String Quartet, from the Flint School of the Performing Arts, to open our program.

High School musicians from all over mid-Michigan audition every October to be a member of this most prestigious group. The Dort Quartet gives a number of high-profile performances each year plus a spring recital and their appearance at the Humanity in Harmony Concert/Daniel Pearl World Music Day.

The 14th Humanity in Harmony Music Festival, hosted by the Flint Jewish Federation, and made possible by a generous grant from the Nartel Family Foundation. celebrates the spirit of community and cultural diversity through the universal language of music. Held in honor of Daniel Pearl World Music Days, the festival carries forward the legacy of journalist and accomplished violinist Daniel Pearl, who believed music could build bridges of understanding across cultures.

Each year, this unique event brings together extraordinary local and international talent, stringing together harmony through a rich blend of traditions, voices, and instruments. It’s a celebration of peace, compassion, and connection—shared through the joy of live performance.

Now in its 14th year, Humanity in Harmony remains Flint’s best kept secret—an intimate, inspiring evening where music reminds us that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

Michael J. Thorp is back for his 14th turn as the host and producer of the “Humanity in Harmony Music Festival.”

Michael is a broadcaster, author, program planner and host. He created, produced, and wrote “The Huckleberry Radio Hour” a live radio variety show that ran from 2007-20011 and won 2 EMMYS. He was a television news anchor for ABC, was a host on Michigan Public Television, a disc jockey and radio talk show and newsman.

He earned his fourth EMMY for the series, “Capital Memories” a look back at the historic Capital Theater in downtown Flint in 40 episodes.

Michael’s books include, “The Great, Great Lakes Trivia Test” and “The (even) Greater, Great Lakes Trivia Test.” His third book, “Michigan’s Thumb Drive”, is a history and tour of Michigan’s Thumb. He also wrote a children’s book; “The Legend of the Abominable Huckleberry.”

His latest book, “Michiganians You Should Know” includes stories about a Michigan priest who worked at a prison guarding the Jessie James Gang, the Michigan natives who invented the electric stove and the rear-view mirror, the brothers who first called soda, “pop” and the man who almost drained one of Michigan’s most beautiful lakes

All books are available at michaeljthorp.com.