Michigan Concert Cornucopia: Music in the outdoors

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More than 150 communities across the state host summer concerts in parks every night of the week — free shows with a family-friendly milieu. Local Spins takes a closer look at this phenomenon.

Music Amid Michigan’s Great Outdoors: Roberta Bradley & Gypsy performing recently in Rockford. (Photo/Eric Stoike)

SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERIES, LINKS TO SCHEDULES

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When Michigan’s weather cooperates, there’s nothing like summertime concerts in the great outdoors — something that’s long propelled success for major ticketed venues such as Pine Knob Music Theatre and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

But untold thousands of fans young and old also flock to free weeknight concerts starring Michigan bands in more than 150 communities and parks across the state — casual, family-friendly affairs that have become a mainstay and tradition amid the Mitten State’s music scene.

Plain Jane Glory: Lighting up Muskegon’s McGraft Park. (Photo/Eric Stoike)

Not only do these sun-splashed concerts in numerous cities and towns give shops, eateries, watering holes and regional acts a financial boost, but also broadens the audience for performers who get a chance to play for young fans and others who might not otherwise hear them in bars or other venues.

Happy throngs amid seas of lawn chairs, coolers and picnic baskets can be found on Mondays in Walker’s Millennium Park Meadows for the West Michigan Jazz Society series, Tuesdays in Rockford for the Rogue River Blues Series, on Wednesdays in Sparta’s Rogers Park and Kalamazoo’s Beats on Bates, on Thursdays for Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts in Lowell and behind Kentwood City Hall, on Friday at Hastings’ Thornapple Plaza and Muskegon’s Hackley Park, and on and on. Many communities, such as Ludington and Grand Haven, boast music on multiple days of the week.

Local Spins writer Brayden Flodin and photographer Eric Stoike recently sampled some these seasonal favorites, capturing the charm that attracts concertgoers across the region. Scroll down for photo galleries from several community concerts and check out a full listing of schedules at Local Spins here: FREE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY CONCERTS 2025

LOWELL

Under bright and sunny sky with just a slight breeze coming from the Flat River, the Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts series in Lowell boasts an ideal setting for live music.

On a recent Thursday evening the crowd gathered in full force to soak in the strains of Grand Rapids cover band Shimmie Pearl, with attendees spread out across bleacher seats, lawn chairs and picnic tables, with some even listening from a few boats on the Flat River.

With an eclectic mix of rock, blues, jazz and soul, the band took the audience on a musical journey, highlighted by renditions of several Steely Dan tunes, including “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” which had the crowd swaying and singing along.

Lowell Magic: Shimmie Pearl on stage. (Photo/Brayden Flodin)

“It just brings everybody together,” concert attendee Brian of Lowell said of the weekly summertime series. “It’s a lot of smiles, a lot of sunshine and good music.”

The atmosphere was electric, with a joyous and excited crowd that embraced the live music experience. Many in the crowd were seen enjoying snacks, chatting with friends, and even dancing along to the lovely tunes.

“We’ve been doing this for like 27 years, and it’s just the place to be in Lowell,” said regular Sandy Liu of Lowell “It brings us together, you see old friends, you hang out, you hear great music. It’s just magical.”

As the sun set, Shimmie Pearl’s performance came to an end with the crowd pouring out their love and appreciation for the band — another lasting memory of summer.

Up next for the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series: Magic Bus performs at 7 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 7), with Brena on Aug. 14. – By Brayden Flodin

WEST MICHIGAN JAZZ SOCIETY AT MILLENNIUM PARK

Detroit-based jazz singer Olivia Van Goor may have put it best: “These people really love jazz music, and they’ve all come together. I feel so intimately connected with all of these wonderful people on this beautiful night.”

That summed up her recent performance for the West Michigan Jazz Society’s longstanding Concerts in the Park series that continues to attract jazz fans on Monday night to Millennium Park Meadows in Walker.

Olivia Van Goor: The jazz singer loved the intimate connections with fans. (Photo/Brayden Flodin)

The award-winning singer’s set as part of the Olivia Van Goor Quartet on a lovely sunny Monday evening induced singing, dancing and communal warmth and togetherness. The band also featured Mike Harrison on keys, Alex Hoberty on bass cello, and Yuriana Sobrino Garcia on drums.

Selections for the evening included Ella Fitzgerald’s “Lady Be Good” — which showed off Van Goor’s vocal range and scatting — Jaclyn Gould’s “I Haven’t Managed to Forget You,” Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy,” and “Over The Rainbow,” popularized by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” The latter two tracks also appear on her 2023 album, “Don’t Be Mad At Me.”

“It’s just a good opportunity to come around and relax, read a book, and support local music here in Grand Rapids,” said attendee Rachel Gerrie of Grand Rapids.

The evening oozed a peaceful energy and left a lasting jazz impression on the audience.

“I love looking out and seeing all the people here that are here to enjoy the same thing separately but together,” said concertgoer Courtney Kingsley, also of Grand Rapids. “I think that there’s something really beautiful about that.”

Up next for the Jazz at Millennium Park Meadows series: Mark Kahny Group performs at 6:30 p.m. Monday (Aug. 11), with Kevin Jones Quartet on Aug. 18 and Houston Patton’s Hidden Nomination on Aug. 25. – By Brayden Flodin

COMMUNITY CONCERT PHOTO GALLERIES

Rockford’s Rogue River Blues Series (Garden Club Park)
Roberta Bradley & Gypsy, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish
Photos by Eric Stoike, John Sinkevics