Grand Haven to Grand Rapids: we've got the ultimate outdoor summer concert list for West Michigan.
Jukejoint Handmedowns performs at the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin' Summer June 19.Supplied
Grand Haven Musical Fountain
Thru Sept. 27
Waterfront Stadium, Grand Haven
Showtime: Thru Labor Day, nightly performances; after Labor Day to Sept. 27, Friday and Saturday nights. Start times vary between 8:30 p.m and 10:10 pm.
Tickets: Free
With a changing playlist throughout the summer months, "the world's largest musical fountain" offers a 20-minute water-and-light show set to music each night. A two-week musical line-up will be posted at the stadium and online. For more information, visit www.grandhaven.org/recreation/musical-fountain-schedule/
Wyoming Concerts in the Park
June 3–Aug. 5
Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, Wyoming
Showtime: Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
The schedule includes a variety of family-friendly performances from a diverse lineup of entertainers. This year's lineup is June 3: 6:30 p.m Zumba Kids followed by Grand Rapids First Church Youth Choir; June 10: Kari Lynch Band; June 17: Hark Up Big Band; June 24: Brian VanderArk; July 1: Megan Rae with Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son; July 8: Zion Lion; July 15: New Revival Jazz Band; July 22: The Outer Vibe; July 29: Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys; Aug. 5: National Night Out Celebration featuring Strumble Head.
Parties in the Park
June 6–Aug. 22
Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon
Showtime: Fridays, 5-9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Various local and regional musicians, including Dave Zagar Trio, Jaded 8, Fiddleface/House Rockers and Dutch Henry in June. For more information, visit partiesinthepark.com.
Jazz at the Zoo
June 9–Aug. 11
John Ball Park Bandshell, 1200 W. Fulton St.
Showtime: Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's popular series, hosted by the West Michigan Jazz Society, will kick off with the award-winning Byron Center High School Jazz Orchestra, June 9. The rest of the lineup includes: Planet D Nonet, June 16; Wonderland Jazz Ensemble with Tom Elferdink, June 23; Max Colley III Sextet, June 30; Blue Monk Jazz, July 7; Big Band Nouveau, July 14; The River Rogues Jazz Band, July 21; Checkers Morton, July 28; Mary Rademacher and the Rad Pack, Aug. 4; and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Aug. 11.
For more information, visit wmichjazz.org.
Circle Theatre's Summer Concert Series
June 9 – Sept. 15
Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, 1607 Robinson Rd. SE
Showtime: Select Mondays, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $17/non-season ticket holders; $15/season ticket holders
Once again featuring many of the area's best artists, this year's series features June 9 and Aug. 11: Piano Men: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John June 16, July 21, and Sept. 8: Feelin' Groovy: The Music of Simon & Garfunkel; July 14 and Aug. 18: Take It to the Limit: The Music of the Eagles; Sept. 15: Keep the Change: The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin.
For more information, visit circletheatre.org/summerconcert.html.
Huntington Rogue River Blues Series
June 10 – Aug. 12
Garden Club Park, off Bridge Street, Rockford
Showtime: Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Various blues performers will be in concert with a river backdrop. For more information, visit www.rockford.mi.us.
Tuesdays in the Park
June 10–Aug.19
Central Park on Washington Street, Grand Haven
Showtime: Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's lineup includes June 10: Don Middlebrook and Living Soul; June 17: Uptown; June 24: Blue Water Ramblers; July 1: The Trace; July 8: Steel Doin' It; July 15: Fred Knapp Trio; July 22: Sweet Lou & the Savages; July 29: The Time Out Band; Aug. 5: Sea Cruisers; Aug. 12: Damstra-Spring; Aug. 19: Triple Down; and Aug. 26: The Silverado Band.
For more information, visit grandhavenchamber.org/tuesdays-in-central-park.
Sparta Community Concerts
June 11–Aug. 20
Rogers Park, 75 N. Union St., Sparta
Showtime: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's lineup includes the Lazy Blue Tunas, June 11; Chaser, June 18; The Rhythm Section, June 25; to be announced, July 9; Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son, July 16; Freehand Band, July 23; Cross Creek, July 30; Paddy's Cure, Aug. 6; Strike the Rock, Aug. 13; and Sparta High School Marching Band, Aug. 20.
For more information, visit spartachamber.com.
Lowell Showboat Sizzlin' Summer Concerts
June 12–Aug. 21
Riverwalk Plaze, downtown Lowell
Showtime: Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This 10-week series on the Riverwalk Plaza in downtown Lowell takes place in front of the historic Lowell Showboat. This year's series includes June 10: Vincent Hayes; June 19: Jukejoint Handmedowns; June 26: Skankadank; July 3: Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde; July 10: Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son; July 11; The Bronk Bros. for Riverwalk Festival; July 17: The Appleseed Collective; July 24: Alive & Well; July 31: Greg Nagy Band; Aug. 7: Steam Powered Bluegrass Band & Luke Lenhart Bluegrass Band; Aug. 14: K. Jones and the Benzie Playboys; Aug. 21: Nicholas James and the Bandwagon.
For more information, visit lowellartsmi.org.
Holland Street Performer Series
June 12–Aug. 28
Downtown Holland
Showtime: Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Downtown Holland's annual series feature singers, dancers and other performers entertaining on the streets of the town.
For more information, visit downtownholland.com.
The Buttermilk Jamboree
June 13–15
Circle Pines Center, 8650 Mullen Rd., Delton
Showtime: Varies by act, daylong music
Tickets: $80/at gate, $60/Saturday & Sunday, $30/Sunday only
Acts vary each day put include Anne Weiss, Conklin Ceili Band, Rick Chyme, Tree City, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and more.
For more information, visit buttermikjamboree.org.
Interlochen Summer Arts Festival 2014
June 13 – Aug. 20
Showtime: Times vary
Tickets: Varies. Call 800/681-5920 or visit tickets.interlochen.org
For those who didn't score tickets at the Frederik Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series, The Interlochen Arts Festival has many of the same acts. Opening with Sheryl Crow June 13, this series include Gordon Lightfoot, June 18; Lynyrd Skynyrd, June 19; Betty Who, June 23; Rioult Dance, June 26; Shakespeare's The Tempest, June 26—28 and July 2, 3, and 5; Tigran Hamasyan, June 27; World Youth Symphony Orchestra, June 29; Bonnie Raitt with special guest Paul Cebar, June 30; Béla Fleck & Brooklyn Rider, July 1; The Capitol Steps, July 5; Alessio Bax, July 6; Interlochen "Collage," July 8; Nickel Creek, July 10; Darius Rucker, July 11; Jackson Browne, July 12; Michael Cooper, Masked Marvels & Wondertales, July 13 (at 2 p.m.); Joshua Bell, July 13 (at 8 p.m.); Broadway's "Next H!t Musical", July 14; Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, and Union Station, July 17; Five for Fighting, July 19; John Axelrod, July 20; Ray LaMontagne with Belle Brigade and Jenny Lewis, July 22; Gary Allan, July 25; Ani Kavafian, July 27; "Les Misérables," July 31—Aug. 3; Buddy Guy with Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Aug. 5; Enso String Quartet; Aug. 11, 13, and 16; and Steely Dan, Aug. 20.
For more information, visit tickets.interlochen.org.
Huntington Bank Friday Night Concert Series
June 13–Aug. 22
Kollen Park, Holland
Showtime: Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's diverse musical lineup includes Kari Lynch Band, June 13; Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos, June 20; Time Out, June 27; The Ragtops, July 11; Saline Fiddlers, July 18; Orquesta Tradicion, July 25; POST350, Aug. 1; The 3 Snyders, Aug. 8; Trilogy, Aug. 15; and Nathan Holley, Aug. 22.
For more information, visit www.cityofholland.com/recreation and click on special events.
Music on Deck
KDL Caledonia Library, 6290 92nd St.
June 17–July 29
Showtime: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
The library's deck will feature an array of performers, including June 15: Phil & JD; June 24: BrushRidge; July 1: Paschke Trio; July 8: West Michigan Bluegrass Association; July 15: Southern Ledge; July 22: Thornapple Brass; and July 29: Caledonia String Players. For more information, visit www.kdl.org.
East Grand Rapids 2014 Summer Concerts
June 17–Aug. 26
John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Dr. SE, East Grand Rapids
Showtime: Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Bring a lawn chair, glasses and a blanket for an evening of family fun. Call 949-4800, ext. 300, for the up-to-date lineup.
Blues on the Mall
June 18–Aug. 20
Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center NW & Monroe Avenue NW
Showtime: Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Local and regional bands are featured. Check the Facebook page for the complete lineup.
City of Kentwood 2014 Summer Concert Series
June 18–Aug. 20
Showtime: Various Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's lineup includes: June 18: Jetty Rae; June 25: Boogie Woogie; July 16: Williams Family; July 30: to be announced; Aug. 13: Kari Lynch Band; and Aug. 20: Dutch Henry.
For more information, visit www.kdl.org or ci.kentwood.mi.us or call 656-5270.
Summer Family Nights
June 19 – Aug. 7
Grandville Amphitheater at the KDL Grandville Branch, 4055 Maple St. SW
Showtime: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This summer series features a variety of performances, including Native American Dancers, June 19; Agility Dogs Extraordinaire!, June 26; Outdoor Movie Night, July 10; The Porters in Concert, July 17; Baffling Bill the Magician, July 24; Grandville Idol Talent Show, July 31; and Pet Show, Aug. 7.
For more information, visit www.kdl.org.
Standale Summer Concert Series
June 19–Aug. 28
Showtime: Second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This family-friendly series expands this year to include more dates. The series will include June 19: The Adams Family; July 10: Deep Blues & Greens; July 24: Free Hand; Aug. 14: Boogie Woogie Babies; Aug. 28: The Lazy Blue Tunas.
For more information, visit www.ci.walker.mi.us/business/dda.
Thursdays at the Point
June 19 – Aug. 28
Mill Point Park, West Savidge Street, Spring Lake
Showtime: Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This weekly family concert series includes June 19: New Revival Jazz Band; June 26: Lakeshore Big Band; July 3: Bill Ellingboe; July 10: Steel Doin' It; July 17: Don Middlebrook; July 24: Time Out Jazz Band; July 31: Blue Water Ramblers; Aug. 7: Sea Cruisers; Aug. 14: We Know Jackson; Aug. 21: Adams Family; and Aug. 28: Funkel Jesse.
For more information, visit www.slheritagefestival.com.
Wicks Park Gazebo Music in the Park
June 24–Aug. 27
Wicks Park Gazebo, Water Street, Saugatuck
Showtime: Wednesdays, 7—9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Sponsored by the Saugatuck-Douglas Area Business Association, this series features live performances from local talent. Visit saugatuck.com or call 269/857-1626 for more information.
Celadon Summer Concert Series
June 26–Aug. 14
Showtime: Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's lineup kicks off with The Muteflutes with special guests Ribbons of Song. July 17 is Slim Gypsy Baggage with special guest Tony LaJoye and Aug. 14, is Chain of Lakes with special guest Mat Churchill Band. For more information, check on the series' Facebook page.
June Grass 2014 Bluegrass Music Festival
June 27 – 28
Kent County Fairgrounds
Showtime: Varies
Tickets: $30/gate, $22/Saturday day ticket, $13/Friday day ticket
Headlines this year are Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, New County Grass, Billy Strings & Don Julin and including performances by Fauxgrass, Uncle Betty, Steam Powered Bluegrass and the WMBMA Board Band. For more information, call 616-891-8825.
Electric Forest Festival
June 26–29
Rothbury, Michigan
Showtime: Varies
Tickets: Varies, call 888/521-SHOW or electricforestfestival.com
There are so many performers they have to list them in alphabetical order. Some of the groups performing are After Funk, Bombino, Chrome Sparks, Dirtyphonics, Earphunk, Gemini Club, K Theory, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Moby, Booka Shade, Paper Diamond, and lots more along with food and exhibits.
For more information, visit electricforestfestival.com.
GVSU's 20th Annual Cook Carillon Summer Concert Series
June 29 – Aug. 17
Grand Valley State University, Allendale Campus
Showtime: Sundays, 8-9:30 p.m.
The series kicks off with university carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard on June 29. The rest of the series features a variety of carillonneurs from throughout the United States including: Kipp Cortez, July 6; David Hunsberger, July 13; Open Tower hosted by Vanden Wyngaard, July 20; Dave Johnson, July 27; Sally Harwood, Aug. 3; Joey Brink, Aug. 10; and wrapping up with Vanden Wyngaard, Aug. 17.
For more information, call 331-3484 or visit gvsu.edu/artscalendar.
Soundz of Summer Concert Series
July 1–29
Lawrence Park, Zeeland
Showtime: Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This popular Zeeland series features local performers during the warm summer month of July. For a lineup, visit feelthezeel.com and find the concert series under Zeel Events.
Lakeshore Art Festival
July 4–5
Western Avenue, downtown Muskegon
Music/entertainment show times: Various and impromptu
Showtime: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Local and regional performers, street performers, and lots of art for viewing. For more information visit lakeshoreartfestival.org.
GVSU's 14th Annual Beckering Family Carillon Series
July 9 – 30
Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids campus
Showtime: Wednesdays, noon
Each performance features a renowned carillonneur, including Helen Hofmeister Hawley, July 9; David Hunsberger, July 16; Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, July 23; and Dave Johnson, July 30.
For more information, call 331-3484 or visit gvsu.edu/artscalendar.
GRAM on the Green
July 10–Aug. 14
Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW
Showtime: Thursdays, 5-9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
GRAM on the Green returns this summer for a sixth straight season of exciting live outdoor music and switches to Thursday nights! Make the most of your summer evenings and join GRAM, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department for Thursday nights filled with free outdoor live music, dancing, a cash bar, food trucks and more. Visit artmuseumgr.org during the summer for further details and the forthcoming live music lineup.
Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck
July 10 – Aug. 15
Showtime: Thursday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $100/season, $20/adults, $10/students ($5 after 7:25 p.m.)
Entering its 27th season, the festival focuses on classical and contemporary chamber music. This year's lineup includes: July 10-11: Fantasies: Ralph Vaughan Williams and Frank Bridge; July 17-18: pianist Robert Auler; July 24-25: violinist MingHuan Xu and pianist Winston Choi; July 31-Aug. 1: CMFS Artist Director Emerita Joan Conway on piano; Aug. 7-8: the Akropolis Reed Quintet; and the final concert, Aug. 14-15: Fresh Airs. For information or tickets, visit www.saugatuckmusic.org.
Muskegon Bike Time
July 17–20
Steel Horse Alley (10 blocks on Western Avenue), downtown Muskegon
Showtime: Main stage concert each night
Tickets: Fee for Main Stage concerts; see website updates
Musical acts include 38 Special, July 19, and The Stray Cat Lee Rocker, July 18. Other entertainment includes Miss Bike Time and tattoo contests, bike burnouts and stunt shows. For more information, visit muskegonbiketime.com.
Unity Christian Music Festival
Aug. 6–9
Heritage Landing, waterfront Muskegon
Showtime: Varies by artist; music starts at 1 p.m., Thursday to Saturday
Tickets: Three-day pass is $55 (prior to Aug. 6), $65 day of event; daily tickets available
Various performers including headliners Thousand Foot Krutch, Third Day, Matthew West and Steven Curtis Chapman. For more information, visit unitymusicfestival.com.
Cowpie Music Festival
Aug. 8–9
Shagbark Farm, 7500 Alaska Ave., Caledonia
Tickets: $30/per person for two days of music
This year's event is a fundraiser for Cowpie along with "a couple of friends who could use a wish," according to the organization's website. Details are still pending. Visit www.cowpiemusicfestival.com for more information.
GRandJazzFest
Aug. 16–17
Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids
Showtime: Saturday, noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 8 p.m.
Tickets: Free
This year's headliner is trumpeter Rick Braun, who cowrote "Here With Me" for REO Speedwagon. Sunday night's headliner is flutist Alexander Zonjic. Also performing are Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde, Cooper Hay Van Lente Group, Grupo Ayé, In the Tradition, Matt Marshak, Evidence Jazz Group, Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors, and The Robert Hurst Quintet. For more information, visit www.grandjazzfest.org.
Alexander Zonjic's Shoreline Jazz Festival
(Previously known as Lakeshore Jazz Festival)
Aug. 2 –24
Heritage Landing, waterfront Muskegon
Showtime: Varies by artist; music starts at 1 p.m., headliner at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general admission, from startickets.com or 800-585-3737
Saturday headliner is Boney James. Sunday headliners are Alexander Zonjic with special guest Kenny G; other performers include Ruben Studdard, Lalah Hathaway, Nick Colinne, Maysa and Brian Simpson. For more information, visit zonjic.com or www.shorelinejazzfestival.com.
Michigan Irish Music Festival
Sept. 12–14
Heritage Landing, waterfront Muskegon
Showtime: Varies by artist; music starts at 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday
Tickets: Three-day pass is $30 online, $40 day of event; daily tickets available
Various acts including two shows by Gaelic Storm, also Seamus Kennedy, Blackthorn and Moxie. For more information, visit michiganirish.org.