More than 200 free concerts have been added to the lineups of Michigan communities hosting shows by local and regional artists. View the schedules at Local Spins.
Kalamazoo Kickoff: The Out of Favor Boys christen “Beats on Bates” on June 2. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
If anything’s an indication of the widespread return of live music after “The Year of COVID,” it’s the explosion of free summer concerts hosted by communities across Michigan.
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More than five dozen concert series starring local and regional acts have been announced for West Michigan alone in 2021, ranging from Kalamazoo and Portage’s annual park concerts and “Beats on Bates” to the resumption of outdoor shows in Holland, Allegan, Walker, Cedar Springs, Baldwin, Niles, Elk Rapids, Bear Lake and more.
As Erin Bruce of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo so aptly put it — after a quiet year in 2020 — there are “plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music outdoors in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas this summer.”
Attendees can likely still expect some social-distancing and other coronavirus protocols, but it’s also clear that the vaccine rollout and lifting of certain outdoor gathering restrictions have eased concerns of many organizers.
It’s certainly opened the door for popular Michigan acts to once again strut their stuff on stage, including Serita’s Black Rose, Mary Rademacher, Mark Lavengood, Don Middlebrook, Yolonda Lavender, Out of Favor Boys, An Dro, Cabildo, James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers, Last Gasp Collective, Kari Lynch, Bronk Bros., Harper & The Midwest Kind, Blue Water Ramblers, Zion Lion and many more.
Check out the far-reaching concert series recently announced for more than 20 communities across the region below. And view earlier announced series in Local Spins’ comprehensive “Free Outdoor Community Concerts 2021 Guide.”
Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues (Photo/Anna Sink)
When: 7 p.m. Fridays
Where: Allegan Riverfront Stage, Riverfront Plaza, Allegan
LINEUP:
June 11 – Asamu Johnson & the Associates of the Blues
June 18 – The Bootstrap Boys
June 25 – Flylite Gemini
July 2 – Guitar Up!
July 9 – Deep Greens & Blues
July 16 – James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers
July 23 – The Mainstays
July 31 – Modern Adventures
Aug. 6 – Full Cord
Aug. 13 – Hollywood Makeout with Lazy Genius
Aug. 20 – The Elijah Russ Collective
Aug. 27 – The Hacky Turtles
BALDWIN: SOUNDS OF THE FOREST
When: 7 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Wenger Pavilion, 888 Michigan Ave., Baldwin
LINEUP:
June 26 – Wendell Harrison Quarter
July 3 – Holly Mcguire w/Kevin McConnell Trio
July 10 – Tell Yo Mama
July 17 – Nick Moss Band
July 24 – Serita’s Black Rose
July 31 – Greg Nagy’s Men of Leisure/w Jim Alfredson,
Aug. 7 – Rodney Whitaker Quarter
Aug. 14 – Planet D Nonet
Aug. 21 – Chris Foreman’s Soul Message Band
Aug. 28 – U’Neek
Sept. 4 – General Assembly Big Band
BALDWIN: ECHO THROUGH THE TIMBER
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Wenger Pavilion, 888 Michigan Ave., Baldwin
LINEUP:
June 23 – Community Gospel Awakening
June 30 – Bill Heid Quartet w/Paul Keller, bass & Rob Smith, sax
July 7 – Harper and MidWest Kind
July 14 – Fremont John’s Acoustic Thunder
July 21 – Mustang Band
July 28 – Jenna Mammina
Aug. 4 – Mary Rademacher w/the Mark Kahny Band
Aug. 11 – Motor City Josh and the Big 3
Aug. 18 – Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra
Aug. 25 – Headwinds Blues Project
BEAR LAKE: MUSIC ON BEAR LAKE
When: 1 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Bear Lake
LINEUP:
June 26 – Clear Heels
July 24 – Straits Shooter
Aug. 28 – The Real Ingredients
Hannah Rose Graves (Photo/Sara Herzog)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Heart of Cedar Springs Park, 37 W. Maple St., Cedar Springs
LINEUP:
June 16 – The Still Wonder (Acoustic Folk)
June 23 – The Carl Webb Band (Modern Rock Blend)
June 30 – Hannah Rose (Classic & Modern Rock)
July 7 – Versus (Acoustic Rock)
July 14 – Free Flight (Classic Rock)
July 21 – Sea Cruisers (50’s & 60’s Rock)
July 28 – Full Cord (Bluegrass)
Aug. 4 – Flatland Grip (Acoustic Blend)
Aug. 11 – The Bootstrap Boys (Country Rock)
Aug. 18 – The Leaver Brothers (Classic Rock)
CHARLOTTE: SUMMER CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays
Where: 100 W Lawrence Ave., Charlotte
LINEUP:
June 3 – Sea Cruisers
June 10 – Sheri LaFontaine Family
June 17 – DeWayne Spaw
June 24 – Brenda Loomis
July 1 – Claim Jumpers
July 8 – Mark Lavengood Band
July 15 – Springtales
July 22 – Laurie and the Lefties
July 29 – Wally Pleasant
Aug. 5 – Big Willy
Aug. 12 – Froggy and the Beeftones
Aug. 19 – EZY Street Band
Monte Pride (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
When: 6 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Shamrock Park, 221 Wilcox Pkwy., Clare
LINEUP:
June 10 – Music Lady
June 17 – The Real Deal
June 24 –Kevin Chamberlin
July 1 – Southbound
July 8 – Monte Pride
July 15 – Gabe Couch
July 22 – Country Express
July 29 – Matt More
Aug.5 – Crosstown Drifters
Aug. 12 – Harpers
Aug. 19 – Stephanie Terpening
ELK RAPIDS: EVENING ON RIVER STREET
When: 6 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: River Street, Elk Rapids
LINEUP:
June 30 – Plumville Project
July 7 – Brotha James
July 14 – Dags UND Timmah!
July 21 – Matt Mansfield
July 28 – Leanna Collins
Aug. 4 – Sweetwater Blues Band
Aug. 11 – TBD
ELK RAPIDS: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES @ THE HARBOR
When: 7 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Cedar Street, Elk Rapids
LINEUP:
June 26 – Royal Guard
July 4 – On the Sun (Sunday)
July 17 – Nathan Walton
Aug. 1 – 1000 Watt Propets (Sunday)
Aug. 7 – Delilah DeWylde w/Harbor Days and Fireworks
Aug. 21 Gasoline Gypsies
HASLETT: FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
When: 7 p.m. Fridays
Where: Lake Lansing Park South, 1621 Pike St., Haslett
LINEUP:
June 4 – Don Middlebrook
June 11 – Avon Bomb
June 18 – Smooth Daddy
June 25 – Capital City Chordsman
July 2 – Meridian Community Band
July 9 – Life Support
July 16 – Glen Erin Bagpipe/Crossbow
July 23 – Sea Cruisers
July 30 – Unlimited
Aug. 6 – Global Village
Aug. 13 – Tony Thompson & the Invasion
Aug. 20 – Jeff Baldori
Aug. 27 – Showdown
Don Middlebrook
HOLLAND: SUMMER CONCERTS
When: 6:30 p.m. Fridays
Where: Kollen Park, 240 Kollen Park Dr., Holland
LINEUP:
June 18 – Project 90
June 25 – Don Middlebrook
July 2 – Serita’s Black Rose
July 9 – Faded Blue
July 16 – Karizma Band
July 23 – The Family Tradition Band
July 30 – Cool Lemon Jazz
Aug. 6 – Grupo Dezeo
Aug. 13 – Franklin Park
KALAMAZOO: BEATS ON BATES
When: 5 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Bates Alley between Pitcher and Portage Streets, Kalamazoo
LINEUP:
June 2 – Out of Favor Boys
June 9 – Kandace Lavender
June 16 – An Dro
June 30 – LaSoulfulRock
July 7 – BlueBack
July 14 – Yolonda Lavender
July 21 – Grupo Latin Soul
July 28 – Jenuine
Aug. 4 – Coffee with Friends
Aug. 11 – Lana & The Tonics
Aug. 18 – Tony Fields & Doug Decker
Aug. 25 – Big Trouble
Sept. 1 – Jazz Creative Institute
Sept. 8 – Grayson Nye Experiment
Sept. 15 – KAR
Sept. 22 – KAR
Sept. 29 – KAR
KALAMAZOO: CONCERTS IN THE PARK
When: 4 p.m. Sundays
Where: Bronson Park, 200 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo
LINEUP:
June 6 – Cabildo
June 20 – Kalamazoo Concert Band
June 27 – INDIKA
July 3 – Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Saturday)
July 18 – Kanola Band
July 25 – Farmers Alley Theatre Summer Concert Series
Aug. 15 – Farmers Alley Theatre Summer Concert Series
Aug. 22 – Shayna Steele
Aug. 29 – Together We Are Stronger: Change Gonna Come
James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers. (Courtesy Photo)
When: 3 p.m. Saturdays
Where: South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo
LINEUP:
June 12 – Kevin Collins
June 19 – Allie Garland
June 26 – J. Cam.G
July 10 – T-Music
July 17 – Cool Lemon
July 24 – Lisa Cant’s Sing
July 31 – Kanola Band
Aug. 7 – James Reeser & the Backseat Drivers
Aug. 14 – Hurricane
Aug. 21 – Rozlyn Heart
Aug. 28 – Mainstays
Sept. 4 – Airtight
Sept. 11 – Dog Patch
Sept. 18 – Pinter Whitnick
Sept. 25 – Trio Desino
LUDINGTON: LUDINGTON AREA CENTER FOR THE ARTS (LACA) SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Waterfront Park Pavilion, 391 S. William St., Ludington
LINEUP:
June 23 – Wendell Harrison
June 30 – Holly Maquire
July 7 – Tell Yo Mama
July 14 – Nick Moss Chicago Blues Band
July 21 – Serita’s Blue Rose
July 28 – Greg Nagy’s Men of Leisure
Aug.4 – Rodney Whitaker Quartet
Aug. 11 – Planet D Nonet
Aug. 18 – Chris Foreman’s Soul Message Band
Aug. 25 – U’Neek Soul
Sept.1 – Headwinds Blue Project
NILES: MUSIC AND MORE
When: 6 p.m. Sundays
Where: Riverfront Park, Wayne Street to Front Street, Niles
LINEUP:
June 12 – Katmandu, Bob Seger tribute band (Saturday)
June 20 – PastTime
June 27 – Phil Anderson
July 4 – Kevin B Kline
July 11 – Darryl Buchanan
July 18 – Blue Water Ramblers
July 25 – The Erly
Aug. 1 – The Toona’s,
Aug. 8 – Elvis tribute artist
Aug. 15 – Whateverly Brothers
Aug. 22 – Matthew Ball
Aug. 29 – The VanDyke Revue
Sept. 6 – Polyphony Marimba workshops, for a fee (Monday)
Sept. 12 – Hey Annie
Sept. 19 – Rain make-up day, if needed
Last Gasp Collective (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
When: 6 p.m. Sundays
Where: Flesher Field, 3664 South 9th St., Oshtemo
LINEUP:
June 27 – Last Gasp Collective
July 25 – Airtight
Aug. 29 – Out of Favor Boys
PAW PAW: MAPLE LAKE
When: 6:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Maple Lake Amphitheatre Park, 106 W Michigan Ave., Paw Paw
LINEUP:
July 4 – Tony Fields and Doug Decker
July 11 – Crooked Root
July 18 – Harper
July 25- Coda Blue
Aug. 1 – Bronk Bros.
Aug. 8 – Typo
Aug. 15 – Kari Lynch
Aug. 22 – Zion Lyon
Aug. 29 – The Unknowns
PORTAGE: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Ramona Park, 8600 S. Sprinkle Rd., Portage
LINEUP:
June 17 – Shania Twin: A Shania Twain Tribute
July 15 – Departure: A Journey Tribute Band
July 29 – Glenn Miller Orchestra
Aug. 19 – Al Hight & M6 West
PRUDENVILLE: TRESTLE PARK SUMMER CONCERTS
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Trestle Park, 2378 Gladwin Rd., Prudenville
LINEUP:
June 17 – TC Knuckleheads
July 1 – Roots Vibrations
July 15 – On Tap
Aug. 5 – StoneHengz
Aug. 19 – The Slick Jimmy Band (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
QUINCY: SOUNDS OF SUMMER
When: 6 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Quincy Village Park, N. Main St., Quincy
LINEUP:
June 17 – The Wild Giants
June 24 – Pomegranate Whiskey Band
July 8 – Latitude Band
July 15 – Country Line Band
July 22 – Jim Stout Band
July 29 – Scotty Butters
Aug. 5 – Delbert Walling & Haley Houtz
Aug. 19 – Peterson, Davis & Paul
Aug. 26 – Randall Hazelbaker
RICHLAND: SUMMERTIME LIVE
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Richland Area Community Center, 9400 East CD Ave., Richland
LINEUP:
Aug. 6 – Shout – A Tribute to the Fab Four
Blue Water Ramblers (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: CRAF Center, 606 Lake St., Roscommon
LINEUP:
June 9 – Jazz Collective
June 23 – Peter, Paul and Mary Remembered
July 7 – The Blue Water Remembers
July 21 – Blue Mobile
Aug. 4 – Alan Turner and the Steel Horse Band
WALKER: STANDALE SUMMER CONCERTS
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Walker Community Park, 700 Cummings Ave., Walker
LINEUP:
June 10 – Brena
July 15 – Hark Up
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