Local First Street Party revels in rain-less splendor

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Picture-perfect weather greeted The Crane Wives, ConvoTronics, Cabildo, JRob and more as thousands filled the streets Saturday outside Bistro Bella Vita in Grand Rapids. Photo gallery, videos.

Street Party Power: Attendees at Saturday’s Local First Street Party celebrated sunny skies and local entertainment. (Photo/Local Spins)

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The jinx is broken: ‘The Rain Wives’ no more.

After two straight, rain-drenched appearances at previous editions of the Local First Street Party, Grand Rapids folk-rock charmers The Crane Wives on Saturday night happily discovered that the third time really is the charm when it comes to weather.

Latin-Fueled Fun: Cabildo had plenty of folks dancing on Saturday. (Photo/Local Spins)

Capping off a spectacular day of sun-bedecked performances, the band delivered the sort of upbeat, harmony-driven set that its devotees have long embraced.

“This night is absolutely stunning,” singer-guitarist Kate Pillsbury gushed from the stage. “This is the perfect beer-drinking night.”

Indeed, on an uber-hectic Saturday night in downtown Grand Rapids — with Festival of Arts continuing and the Grand Rapids Griffins playing at Van Andel Arena in the second game of the Calder Cup Finals — Local First Street Party attracted thousands for local beer, food, hula hooping, break dancing by 61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy, recycled art, children’s activities and performances by more than a half-dozen regional acts.

ConvoTronics, Cabildo, JRob & Bedrock: The Foundation, Hollywood Makeout, Wealthy & Diamond and Molly Bouwsma Schultz & Friends joined The Crane Wives in rolling out diverse entertainment as part of this annual all-day party hosted by Local First — and smiling organizers certainly were pleased that the rain stayed away (especially after a few sprinkles passed through in late evening).

VIDEO: Local First Street Party 2017