Local Spins has rounded up another batch of free community concert series being staged across West Michigan this summer, including the return of the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday concerts in Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids.
Back for Summer 2018: Ah-Nab-Awen Park will fill up with jazz lovers on Mondays starting in June.
It took awhile for spring to finally arrive in West Michigan, which means communities across the region are itching to bask in the sun — and revel in the free outdoor concert series that pop up like mushrooms every summer.
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One of the most popular of the bunch takes place on Monday nights in downtown Grand Rapids courtesy of the West Michigan Jazz Society, which will once again showcase crowd-pleasing jazz stars from June 11 through Aug. 20, including Kathy Lamar, Paul Keller, John Proulx, Mary Rademacher and Bob Nixon, who recently was named the West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year. The Monday concerts attract thousands of picnickers and quad-chair-toting jazz fans who fill the lawn in Ah-Nab-Awen Park along the Grand River.
Sunny Fun: Delilah DeWylde appreciates the atmosphere of outdoor summer concerts. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
But that summertime, family-friendly vibe extends to other series held on weeknights across the region, with a diverse mix of regional stars performing almost every night of the week. And these musicians love the opportunity to engage an all-ages crowd in picturesque settings.
Take it from Saugatuck’s honky-tonking rockabilly favorite Delilah DeWylde, who’s playing several community concert series across the region this summer, including kicking off the Felt Estate Summer Concert Series at Holland’s Felt Mansion on June 21.
“It’s a great vibe there. I’m a long-term fan of that place. People bring their kids and hang out and listen to music,” she said. “It’s really fun. The history of the place is kind of fascinating, too.”
DeWylde and her band have played outdoor concerts across West Michigan for years, describing the vibe as second only to music festivals.
“These concerts are a fun way to connect to the community. It’s like a mini-festival, and we don’t have to drive a long way,” she said. “We get to know the staff and community members a little, and see some of the same folks come back every year or every other year.”
Here’s a roster of summer series in Grand Rapids, Hastings, Holland, Allendale and Parchment. For the lineups in other communities, view Local Spins updated listing of free summer series here: FREE COMMUNITY CONCERTS
Mary Rademacher
GRAND RAPIDS: WEST MICHIGAN JAZZ SOCIETY JAZZ IN THE PARK
When: 6:30 p.m. Mondays
Where: Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids
LINEUP
June 11 – Byron Center High School Jazz Band
June 18 – Kathy Lamar
June 25 – Behn Gillece
July 9 – Paul Keller Sundown Quintet
July 16 – Ivan Akanslima
July 25 – Michael Doyle and Evidence
July 30 – John Proulx Trio
August 6 – Mary Rademacher
August 13 – Organissimo
August 20 – Bob Nixon and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra
The Outer Vibe
HASTINGS: LIVE FRIDAY NIGHT
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays
Where: Thornapple Plaza, downtown Hastings
LINEUP
June 15 – Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensations
June 22 – The Accidentals
June 29 – May Erlweine Trio
July 6 – The Blue Leafs
July 13 – Olivia Mainville
July 20 – Brena
July 27 – Alan Turner
Aug. 3 – The Outer Vibe
Aug. 10 – Luke Winslow King
Aug. 17 – Kari Holmes
Brotha James
HASTINGS: WEDNESDAY COMMUNITY CONCERTS
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Thornapple Plaza, downtown Hastings
July 11 – Brotha James
July 18 – Thornapple Jazz Orchestra
July 25 – Geez Louise
Aug. 1 – Mad Bertha
Aug. 8 – Grumpy Old Men
Aug. 15 – The Bluecatz
Aug. 22 – The Groove Band
NOTE: Hastings Live also hosts “Playing at the Plaza” children’s entertainment at 11 a.m. Thursdays at Hastings Spray Plaza and “Fridays at the Fountain” at noon Fridays on the Barry County Court House lawn. Get more information at facebook.com/hastingsmi.org.
May Erlewine (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
HOLLAND: FELT ESTATE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays (Food & beverage service 6 p.m.)
Where: Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., Holland
LINEUP
June 21 – Delilah DeWylde
June 28 – May Erlewine
July 5 – Mary and the Rad Pack
July 12 – Brena
July 19 – Schlitz Creek
July 26 – Zion Lion
The 6-Pak
ALLENDALE: ALLENDALE ROTARY CONCERTS IN THE PARK
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Bandshell in Allendale Township Community Park, 11069 68th Ave., Allendale,
LINEUP
July 10 – Dueling Pianos
July 17 – Great Scott!
July 24 – Dave Palmer & His Only Friends
July 31 – The 6-Pak
Aug. 7 – The Adams Family
Aug. 14 – Martin & Lamm
Matt Giraud (Photo/Blue Star Soul Photography)
PARCHMENT: KINDLEBERGER SUMMER SUNDAY CONCERTS
When: 6:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Kindleberger Park, Park Avenue in Parchment
LINEUP
June 24 – Byron Legacy (Legends of Las Vegas)
July 22 – The Last Mangos (Jimmy Buffett Tribute)
July 29 – Matt Giraud
August 5 – Barn On Fire
August 12- Cab Town Checkers
August 19 – The Bronk Bros.
August 26 – The Rock Show
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