Kicking off the season on Friday with Serita’s Black Rose and Kait Rose, the free, four-concert series at Alger Park Church will spotlight folk, world music, soul, classical, blues and more.
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When singer-songwriter Cameron Blake decided to launch his “Music in the Heights” concert series in Grand Rapids’ Alger Heights neighborhood, his goal was to “showcase the beautiful diversity of our music scene.”
Suffice to say the free 2022-2023 series that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday inside Alger Park Church does that and more, starting Friday night with Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kait Rose and Grand Rapids soul/blues act Serita’s Black Rose.
“It was important to me that the concerts were free for all, featured different genres of
music and were executed professionally in a true listening environment where the art is
elevated,” Blake told Local Spins.
“Alger Park Church was very generous to host this series. It has a beautiful, open room and a great sound system.”
The series — a first for the Alger Heights neighborhood in Southeast Grand Rapids — debuted last year with two classical concerts and an indie/soul performance.
This year’s four-show lineup will include a world music/roots concert starring Kalamazoo’s Samuel Nalangira and northern Michigan’s Laurel Premo (Jan. 13), Grand Rapids soul singer Sarena Rae and singer-songwriter Kyle Rasche (Feb. 3) and a classical performance, “GV French Fest” (March 26).
“In our first season, we averaged about 150 to 200 people per concert. We, of course, hope to grow. The space has a capacity of 350,” said Blake, an acclaimed West Michigan singer-songwriter who’s had “contact with artists in many different genres” over the years.
“The concerts drew different kinds of crowds, but the response to the music was equally enthusiastic. This season … the pairings are unique, but all of these artists have a soulfulness and authenticity in their sound.”
Rose released her latest studio album, “Balance,” in August, a collection of songs she’s written over the past 20 years. Read more about Rose in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight.
Serita’s Black Rose, meanwhile, has been a fixture as a performer across West Michigan, led by dynamic, genre-spanning singer Serita Crowley, accompanied by guitarist Jon Hayes. Learn more about Crowley here.
The series is being funded via donations and sponsorships, and the nonprofit Michigan Music Alliance will be on hand at the all-ages shows to spread word about the resources it provides to Michigan musicians.
Alger Park Church is located at 2655 Eastern Ave. SE.
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