By Deborah Reed
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood ushered in summer with their annual Kickoff to Summer Celebration on June 6, 2026 – and announced a few changes to their usual summer schedule as well.
This year, Kentwood residents can attend the city’s annual Farmers Market on Mondays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 8 through Aug.17 on the lawn behind City Hall (4900 Breton SE). The Market was previously held Thursdays in the City Hall parking lot.
Kentwood’s popular Summer Concert Series remains on Thursday evenings on the lawn behind City Hall, but the free performances take place 30 minutes earlier this year, from 6:30-8 p.m.
Guests are invited to bring a blanket or chair for seating, leashed dogs if desired, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine. Local food trucks will be at each concert with appetizing treats available for purchase.
Exploring The Human Condition
Though Kentwood’s first concert featuring the Westside Soul Surfers was rained out, the Hurricane Reggae Band performed their reggae and island grooves on June 18, with Kyle Brown & The Human Condition set to take the stage Thursday night.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our original music with the people of Kentwood,” said Kyle Brown, singer/songwriter and band founder.
Based out of West Michigan, Brown has performed solo in clubs and barrooms throughout the midwest for the past 10 years. Also a focal point of the last decade was Brown’s friendship with fellow musician Mike Schertenlieb.
When Brown moved to Montague from Grand Rapids in 2022, he presented Schertenlieb with the idea of starting a band.
“He had some friends that were interested (keyboard player Mikey Olsen and our former bassist Kosta Karis),” Brown said. “I brought some songs into the mix, and it took off from there.”
Kyle Brown & The Human Condition, a Folk-Rock/Americana band, was born.
Though Karis recently stepped down due to time constraints, Brown said the band is “incredibly lucky” to have bassist Dan Hildebrandt filling his shoes.
“We also added singer/guitarist Nina Sofia to the group in late 2024, and her musicianship and harmonies have added a great element,” said Brown, adding that Sofia will be performing at Electric Forest on June 25 and will not be at the Kentwood performance.
Along with Brown (Vocal & Guitar) and Sofia, the band consists of three others: Mike Schertenlieb (Drums), Dan Hildebrandt (Bass) and Mikey Olsen (Keys). Together, they create original music rooted in Folk-Rock with traces of Country and Americana. Song lyrics revolving around environmental, social and philosophical topics encourage listeners to explore the true meaning of “the human condition.”
The band has released two EPs and several singles. All music by Kyle Brown & The Human Condition is available on music streaming platforms and on their website.
Additional Farmers Market and Summer Concert information
Concert parking is limited at City Hall with only the front lot available for accessible parking. However, additional parking options are available at the following locations:
- Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE
- KDL Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE
- Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma SE
- Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, drive around back of building to front field
- Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton SE
- Street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
Watch for concert details, changes and weather updates on the City of Kentwood Facebook page. Additional details on the Kentwood Summer Concert Series can be found here.
The Farmers Market is held rain or shine and features 20+ local vendors offering fresh foods and a variety of handmade and unique goods. For weekly Farmers Market details, click here.
Stay up-to-date on all Kentwood community events here.
