CECIpalooza
This summer, there are over 200 free concerts in parks and squares across West Michigan. (See our free concert list compiled from local government and chamber of commerce websites.) They occur on all days of the week with start times usually between 6 and 7 pm. Concerts last for about 90 minutes. Musical styles range from alt country to zydeco. Venues are family-friendly with guests bringing their own chairs and food. Most also have food trucks on site and some allow or serve wine and beer.
These concerts present an opportunity for us to mingle with each other and introduce our family and friends to colleagues.
Would you, as an individual, department, or group, like to invite your CECI colleagues to visit one of these concerts in the park? If so, please pick one and investigate the venue a bit (e.g., food choices, alcohol policy, ease of access for baby strollers and wheelchairs). Every venue is a little different. For example, Kentwood concerts are next to a farmers’ market, allow outside food and alcohol, and are easily navigated by baby carriages. Hastings concerts allow outside food, but alcohol must be purchased on-site, and tiered landscaping is challenging for baby carriages. Send your invitation and venue information to [email protected]. Also, please suggest where we might meet before the venue. We will post the invitation and information to our web page and share it on our social media platforms.
Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Coopersville Music on Main, 323 Main St., 49404 (20 minutes west)
September 5 – Great Scott (party band)
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
Saugatuck/Douglas Music in the Park, Wicks Park Gazebo 502 Water St, 49453 (40 minutes southwest)
August 28 – Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan tribute band)
September 4 – 10 Years Later (pop rock)
Thursdays
Thursdays at 6:00 pm
Sparta Thursdays on the Square, Sparta Town Square, 201 Marketplace, 49345 (20 minutes north)
August 29 – Drew Behringer (singer/acoustic guitarist)
September 5 – Jack Leaver (singer/acoustic guitarist)
September 12 – Lynn Thompson (bluegrass)
September 19 – Dylan Tolbert (multi instrumentalist singer-songwriter)
September 26 – Wyatt & Shari Knapp (singers/acoustic guitarist)
October 24 – Kevin Schaffer (singer/acoustic guitarist)
Thursdays at 6:30 pm
Fennville City Hall Music Series, Downtown Fennville, Main St & Maple, 49408 (45 minutes southwest)
August 29 – Charlie Millard Band (original jazz and pop songs)
Thursdays at 6:00 pm
Hart Music on the Commons, Hart Commons, 206 E Main St, 49420 (60 minutes north)
August 29 – Cold Leather Seats (indie folk, roots)
Thursdays at 6:00 pm
Ludington Live in the Alley, behind Timbers Prime, 103 W. Ludington Ave, 49431 (90 minutes north)
August 29 – Gabrial James (singer/acoustic guitarist)
Fridays
Fridays at 6:30 pm
Allegan Rollin’ On the River, Riverfront Stage, 49010 (45 minutes south)
August 30 — Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps (singer-songwriter)
Fridays at 5:30 pm
Kalamazoo State on the Street, Kalamazoo State Theatre, 404 S Burdick St., (50 minutes south)
September 6 – Out of Favor Boys (blues, funk, soul)
Fridays at 7:00 pm
Ingham County (Haslett) Friday Night Concerts, Lake Lansing Park South Band Shell, 1621 Pike, 48840 (70 minutes east)
August 30 – Showdown (classic rock)
Fridays at 6:00 pm
Ludington Live in Legacy Plaza, Legacy Plaza, 112 N. James St, 49431 (90 minutes north)
August 30 – Benny Hill Band (jazz)
September 6 – Benjamin Paetz (ukulele)
September 13 – Joe Irelan (blues rock guitarist)
September 20 – Two Dudes in Flip Flops (light rock)