Today’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast explores fresh tracks by local and regional artists playing outdoor shows across the state this summer — and why it’s so special.
Rockin’ the Blues: Just Magnetic on stage for Rockford’s Rogue River Blues Series. (Photo/Local Spins)
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There’s quite literally nothing like soaking up live music in Michigan’s great outdoors.
Take it from Traverse City singer-songwriter Miriam Pico, who has numerous outdoor shows lined up for the summer.
“Playing outdoors for all-ages shows is special because inter-generational music is one of my top favorite things to facilitate,” she said. “To be able to create a safe and joyful place for all ages to be together is peak joy for the work I do.”
Michigan provides plenty of opportunities for that this summer, with more than 140 free concert series taking place in communities across the state on nearly every night of the week, inspiring seas of lawn chairs filled with music-loving fans of all ages.
View schedules for these and other area series below, with a complete listing of Michigan concerts in the updated Local Spins Outdoor Community Concerts Guide online here: https://localspins.com/free-outdoor-community-concerts-2026/
Jazz in the Park: Jordan VanHemert plays Monday at Millennium Park Meadows for the West Michigan Jazz Society series. (Photo/Brayden Flodin)
Amid other summer shows, Pico will play the Beulah Pavilion in Beulah on June 25, the Concerts on the Lawn series at the Grand Traverse Pavilion in Traverse City on July 23 and Hull Park in Traverse City on July 28.
“Folks can expect something for everyone,” she said. “Northern Michigan absolutely adds to the vibe because we are so lucky to enjoy the clean air, the trees, the beautiful summer weather. It elevates the contentment, positivity and peace to another level.”
Michigan-bred country artist Rachel Brooke, who plays Allegan’s Rollin’ on the River series at Riverfront Plaza in Allegan on June 19 (and Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids on June 18), noted that concert tickets have become pricey “and everything is just so expensive nowadays. These events are so great people people can come listen to great music and hear unique artists while connecting with their community and it’s free. We need more options like this for entertainment and arts.”
Brooke, who just released a new album, “This One’s For You,” said being outdoors for these performances “affects the whole experience. I think we all need to get outside a little more and connect with something larger than ourselves.”
‘A GREAT VIBE’ WITH KIDS & FAMILIES
Traverse City blues-rock singer and guitarist Jabo Bihlman also revels in these family-friendly outdoor shows, with a concert at Beulah’s Music in the Streets series on July 9 – along with more than a dozen summer performances at other venues, including St. Ambrose Cellars, Jacob’s Farm and Homestead Resort.
“I love the outdoor shows and community music events, especially the all-ages shows. It’s just such a great vibe,” he said.
Busy Summer: Jabo Bihlman (Photo/Jason Williams)
“Having folks with their kids and families just makes the whole event more fun and less serious. We’re all enjoying the summer weather, the music and the community. People also seem to be generally more responsive and engaged.”
Bihlman, who is unfurling new original music at his shows along with tracks from the Bihlman Brothers and Grinder Blues, agrees that “the outdoor venues in northern Michigan are especially magical in the summer. … We want people to have fun and be on their feet shakin’ their stuff.”
So, for this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase, we decided to focus much of the attention on fresh tracks created by Mitten State artists performing at these family-friendly outdoor shows the next few months.
This edition of the show spotlighting Michigan music features tracks by Rebekah Jon, Casey Germain, Man Mountain, Just Magnetic (recorded live at this week’s Rogue River Blues Series in Rockford), The Rebel Eves, Kyle Brown & The Human Condition, Ben Daniels Band, Kari Lynch, Luke Winslow-King, Rachel Brooke, Jabo Bihlman, The JR Clark Band and Jordan VanHemert. Listen to the full show below.
“The outdoor concert season is relatively short in Michigan, which makes these beautiful summer nights with live music that much more magical,” said Justin “J” Deason, singer and lead guitarist for mid-Michigan blues band Just Magnetic.
“It’s a great feeling to join our community to bond through live music, to meet and interact with music lovers, and to inspire creativity. It’s so cool to see people gather together for an outdoor Michigan show.”
Local Spins just updated its Free Outdoor Community Concerts Guide with more schedules in cities and towns across Michigan. View it here: https://localspins.com/free-outdoor-community-concerts-2026/.
PODCAST: Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase (6/12/26)
The Michigan Music Showcase airs at 11 a.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays on WYCE (88.1 FM) and online at wyce.org, and on Interlochen Public Radio at 7 p.m. Saturdays. Check out previous show podcasts online here.
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