The striking venue behind Ridge Point Community Church east of Holland returns this summer with The Soul Syndicate, Jonathan Traylor, Brena & more. The lineup with links to series at other venues.
Ridge Point Rock, Soul & More: The venue resembles a smaller version of Meijer Gardens’ amphitheater. (Courtesy Photo)
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After a pandemic-impaired two-year period, welcome back to a robust summer of outdoor concert series.
And one particular West Michigan series has features that set it apart from many others, especially when it comes to typical offerings by area churches.
The “Backyard Summer Concert Series” behind Ridge Point Community Church on 104th Avenue east of Holland not only showcases an impressive 1,000-capacity setting but a lineup where “inspirational” artists headline just a couple of the concerts on the seven-show schedule.
June 22 Show: Dallas-based gospel and soul artist Jonathan Traylor. (Courtesy Photo)
“This series is like a gift to the people of the community,” said Vicki Ekdom, concert coordinator for Ridge Point Community Church.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural run — which included appearances by the Kari Lynch Band and The Insiders Tom Petty tribute band — Ridge Point returns for 2022 with a regional artist line-up that includes uber-popular acts The Soul Syndicate and Brena, among others.
There’s even a night of comedy with River City Improv.
The modest, $5 ticket price serves as a crowd-control measure of sorts at the terraced amphitheater that’s strikingly similar to the larger amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids Township. A season pass is available for $30.
Located directly behind the church building, the amphitheater venue also offers another rarity among churches: There’s a beer/wine option among the food trucks on hand each evening during the seven-Wednesday schedule.
The concert venue is among several amenities on the church acreage, which includes basketball and pickleball courts, kids play areas and Frisbee golf, all available for public use.
And the 1,400-seat church auditorium provides a handy backup venue in case of rain.
The Setting: Plus, room to move indoors if it rains. (Courtesy Photo)
“Last summer was a huge success,” noted Ekdom of the backyard shows. “We were hoping for 400 (people) per concert and our smallest crowd was 650.”
Last year’s program was launched with some uncertainty amidst COVID restrictions, which since have eased.
The 2022 series features mostly regional acts, although national Christian/gospel talents such as Jonathan Traylor and Micah Tyler also will perform.
“People just want a time to relax with family and friends, and these concerts are a way to get outside and enjoy a mid-week break,” Ekdom said.
That’s likely true for dozens of outdoor summer concert series across Michigan. View schedules for 2022 concerts at venues ranging from Pine Knob Music Music Theatre in Clarkston to Interlochen’s Arts Festival to Grand Rapids Circle Theatre’s Summer Concert Series in Local Spins’ Summer Concerts @ Venues 2022 Guide.
And for free weeknight community concerts, browse our comprehensive listings here: Free Outdoor Community Concerts 2022.
The Soul Syndicate (Courtesy Photo)
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104th Ave., Holland
Admission: $5
Website: https://fearlessfollower.org/thebackyard/
LINEUP:
June 8 – Tony Bakker, Matt Hanegraaff & Band
June 22 – Jonathan Traylor
July 6 – River City Improv and Main Street Dueling Pianos
July 20 – Caleb and Kelsey
August 3 – The Soul Syndicate
August 17 – Brena
August 31 – Micah Tyler
Bird’s Eye View: The church, amphitheater and parking lot. (Courtesy Photo)
Copyright 2022, Spins on Music LLC
