The warm evening air was filled with the upbeat and energetic tones of Motown Thursday when RocknSoul took the stage at the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.
Based out of the Detroit area, RocknSoul brought the Motown sound to their performance behind City Hall. It also was Throwback Thursday at the Kentwood Farmers Market, where a variety of food trucks and vendors were on hand.
“We play a little bit of everything,” said vocalist and bass player Robert Joiner. “From Motown, to R&B, Dance, Blues and some jazz. The fans really like Motown and we play a lot of the 60s, 70s and 80s Motown and dance music.”
Featured songs include artists like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson.
As a group, RocknSoul has been together for a few years, but individually, the members have 20-to-30 years of professional music experience each.
Joiner, who retired after 30 years with the City of Detroit Police Department, spent 18 years playing with the Blue Pigs, a band comprised of City of Detroit Police officers who gained a large following.
The band’s lead guitar, Charles Hawkins, was a member of Black Merda, a rock band from Detroit that was active from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. Black Merda produced a number of albums during that time period and also played psychedelic soul, funk rock and blues rock.
“Charles has played with Eddie Kendrick and David Ruffin,” Joiner said. “He also had a stint playing with Edwin Starr from War. He’s played with a lot of big names during his career.”
Keyboardist and saxophone player Kevin Armstrong has also played with a variety of musicians and Paul Sikorski brings a wealth of experience as the band’s drummer.
The band features variety in its vocals as Joiner and Armstrong both handle about 40 percent of the vocals apiece, while Hawkins sings vocals on about 20 percent of the songs. Sikorski also has been known to step in as a vocalist at times.
The band primarily performs in Southeast Michigan, but also makes plenty of trips into Ohio. This week’s concert in Kentwood was the band’s first performance in West Michigan.
The state of Michigan has a long and rich tradition of producing outstanding acoustic-based music and this week’s performance of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series features a homegrown West Michigan band that’s adding to that legacy.
Roosevelt Diggs, a four-man band that has been perfecting its craft since 2008, takes the stage Thursday at 7 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. A versatile band, Roosevelt Diggs blends country, blues, rock and roll, folk and blue grass into a melting pot of true Americana music.
There also will be food trucks on hand as concertgoers are encouraged
to come early and check out the Kentwood Farmers Market next door
in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“We are kind of a melting pot,” said Logan Duddles, who with his brother Levi Duddles is one of the two vocalists of the group. “None of those individual genres label us exactly. You can use Americana to encapsulate us, but it’s a struggle to categorize our sound down to one thing. We have a lot of elements of American music in our style.”
Along with providing vocals, Logan Duddles also plays acoustic guitar while brother Levi is on the electric guitar.
“We share the vocals,” Logan said. “We don’t look at it as our having one lead vocalist. There are certain songs that I sing and certain songs that he sings.”
The band also includes Jon Shears on upright bass and Jeff Leitch on drums.
Roosevelt Diggs. (Photo Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)
Logan and Levi have been making music together since a young age back in Reed City. They connected with Shears in 2008 to form the band, while Leitch came on as a drummer three years ago.
17 years and counting
Since forming in 2008, Roosevelt Diggs has made steady progress. Initially, the band had a goal of being able to play local shows and maybe cut an album someday. In the past 17 years, the band has soared beyond initial expectations and continues to add to its legacy.
“Our goals were pretty low starting out,” Duddles said. “At first, we just wanted to be able to play a few shows. Our goal was to work hard and practice every day and get a little better. Through the years, we looked at it as we wanted to be better as a band than we were three months ago. We’ve been able to release four albums and have been able to play at some amazing venues and some great festivals around the state.”
The band’s first album came out in 2012, followed by ones in 2014, 2018 and 2023.
WYCE Jammie Award Winners
The growth and success of Roosevelt Diggs is evident in the albums it produces. Their 2018 album (Better Days) and 2023 one (Reverie) were both WYCE Jammie award winners.
Among the venues the band has played are Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Wheatland Music Festival and the Hoxeyville Music Festival.
“We feel very fortunate through the years to have played at some amazing venues and festivals,” Duddles said. “We have played at some places that have definitely been on our bucket list.”
Right out of the phone book
Along with a unique style, Roosevelt Diggs also has a unique name. Similar to the Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet from Frankenmuth who came up with their unique name when a relative mentioned the name of a local resident, Roosevelt Diggs came up with their name from a similar local angle.
“Way back before cell phones kids use to do prank calls on the phone,” Duddles said. “One day we went through the phone book and we saw the name Roosevelt Diggs and that name stuck with us. Years later when we needed a name for the band we remembered the name Roosevelt Diggs. We were looking for something different and it just stuck.”
The band is looking forward to Thursday’s concert in Kentwood and promises an entertaining and energetic show for concertgoers.
“We play high-energy shows,” Duddles said. “We get into our performances. We dig in and don’t just go through the motions. We have fun and make it a good time and give the fans as good a show as we can.”
Concertgoers will also be treated to a broad range of music.
“We play a lot of different music,” Duddles said. “Some bands just sound the same. We pull in a lot of different genres. There will be something everybody will like and hopefully more than just one. It’s a lot of different genres all melting together to produce some great music.”
The mid-summer air will be full of hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s this Thursday as Sunchaser takes the stage for this week’s concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.
A band of veteran musicians from the West Michigan area that formed in 2021, Sunchaser is a five-piece group that plays a wide variety of musical styles from rock to country, blues, R & B and more.
This Thursday’s concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. It also will be Backyard Barbeque Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market and plenty of farm-fresh goodies will be available. There also will be food trucks on hand as concertgoers are encouraged to come early and check out the Kentwood Farmers Market which takes place next door in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sunchaser has experience playing at many different venues around West Michigan, from outdoor concert series, clubs and restaurants, private and corporate events and local veterans’ halls where they enjoy playing for veterans. This Thursday’s show will be the first time the band has performed at the Kentwood concert series and the group is excited about the opportunity.
“We are really excited about playing at the Kentwood Concert Series for the first time,” said Rusty Benmark, a guitarist and vocalist with the group who has over two decades of experience performing in classic rock and blues bands in the Grand Rapids and Lansing areas. “We are looking forward to putting on a great show and hope that everyone will enjoy themselves.”
Concertgoers can expect an energetic performance with a variety of musical genres from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The band plays hit covers from those decades by such notable artists as Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, The Eagles, Credence Clearwater Revival, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Dwight Yoakum and The Rolling Stones to mention a few. Sunchaser’s eclectic song catalog also includes Motown covers of Marvin Gaye & The Capitols as well as classic rock hits of Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, The Zombies, Linda Ronstadt and the B52s.
Sunchaser. (Photo Courtesy, Sunchaser)
“We pride ourselves on our diversity and our set list/catalog that spans multiple decades,” Benmark said. “We play a wide variety of different genres. We have a lot of diversity in the band and the members of our band also play multiple instruments. We also have a variety of different vocalists so there is a lot of variety in our performances.”
The diverse musical background and experience enables the band to cover a wide-range of styles. The musical diversity is one of the things the group believes is their biggest asset and the group constantly tries to push the envelope into different areas.
“The feedback from audiences has been very positive,” Benmark said. “Audience members often comment that there’s a little something for everyone in our set list.”
The group counts four solid vocalists in its lineup and having multiple lead singers enables the group to cover a variety of styles.
Along with Benmark, the group includes Bob Seif, the founding member of the band who plays guitar, keyboards, percussion and vocals. Seif has been playing and singing music in the Grand Rapids area since he was seven years old.
The band formed during the pandemic “Music is the best therapy, period,” Seif said. “The only good thing to come out of the Covid pandemic for me was our band.”
Barb (Bobbi) Bean is one of the lead vocalists and also plays the keyboard. Bean has over 30 years experience performing in local and regional musical groups both big and small.
Pat Gil plays the bass guitar. Gil has been playing the bass guitar for over 30 years in various bands around the Midwest.
“We like to make our audiences happy,” Gil said. “We pick a lot of groove-oriented songs to get people moving. Our unofficial slogan is, ‘We play it, you shake it.’”
Mike Danielson is the drummer for the group and also a vocalist. Danielson began drumming at the age of 10 and started playing in his first band in the seventh grade.
“I have always liked many styles of music,” Danielson said. “I have played in different style bands to hone my experience in that style. Music has been an important part of who I am for my entire life and has been so therapeutic for me and many friends along this journey.”
The band is a tight-knit group that enjoys performing and making music with each other.
“We really enjoy what we are doing,” Benmark said. “We are pretty tight friends and that shows up on stage. We have a lot of fun and also add some humor to our shows. We want our audience to really enjoy the performance.”
Along with playing popular covers, the band also plays some deeper cuts and some music that audiences may not have heard in a while.
“We like to find some things that are not covered by a lot of bands,” Benmark said. “Our concerts are not all the same songs. You hear a different sound due to our versatility and having people playing different instruments and different vocals.”
The sweet sound of traditional Celtic music will create an atmosphere of Saint Patrick’s Day in the middle of summer as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series welcomes On The Lash to the stage Thursday night.
The band features traditional Irish/Scottish music that it personalizes with its original voices. On The Lash not only provides new takes on classical Irish songs and Celtic music, but also features original songs in the traditional Irish/Scottish standards.
This Thursday’s concert is set to begin at 7 p.m. and last until 8:30 on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It also will be Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market as local bike organizations are featured. There also will be food trucks on hand and concertgoers are encouraged to come early and check out the Farmers Market next door from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kentwood Farmers Market. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
This week’s concert will have you in the mood to drink some Cream Ale or Stout while listening to some relaxing Celtic melodies.
On The Lash provides a local flavor to the Celtic music it plays as the band, which has been together for three years, is comprised of former Western Michigan University students who have West Michigan roots.
“We’ve been together for three years as a band, but we’ve known each other for a decade,” said John Robey. “We met in college at Western Michigan where we were all music majors. I grew up playing Irish and Scottish music and a couple of the other members also played this type of music.”
Robey plays the fiddle in the band which also includes Patrick Harson on guitar, Joel Myers, mandolin, and Elizabeth June, vocals and flute.
“Eizabeth is the star,” Robey said.
The band performs year-round, but is at its busiest during March, November and December. They play at concert venues during the fall and winter months and venture to outdoor festivals during the summer and early fall.
“We play a very exciting blend of classical Irish and Scottish music,” Myers said. “We play some covers of Irish and Scottish-style songs and we also have our own original music.”
Along with their performances, the band also spreads their knowledge of traditional Celtic music throughout the community.
“We also do a fair amount of work with schools teaching Irish/Scottish music and putting on workshops,” Robey said. “We like teaching Irish/Scottish music and presenting it to newcomers who want to know more about it.”
The group is excited about the upcoming show in Kentwood and looks forward to performing the Irish/Scottish variety of music to this week’s concertgoers.
“We are looking forward to playing in Kentwood,” Myers said. “It will be a really fun show. We will be playing some of the traditional staples along with some other really good Irish/Scottish music. We will also be playing some of our own songs. We bring a lot of energy and the people at the show will have a good time.”
The band will play some covers of some of the traditional Irish jigs and reels and also will cover some traditional Irish/Scottish bands of the 1970’s and 80’s including Silly Wizard, a Scottish folk band that formed in Edinburgh in 1970. Silly Wizard was one of the more popular Scottish folk bands of the 1970’s and 80’s.
On The Lash also will do some covers of The Paul McKenna Band, which is one of the top folk bands to come out of Scotland in the last 20 years.
To get a taste of what On The Lash has to offer the band has just released their first album currently available on Spotify. The five-song album is called Fireside and a preview can be found on the band’s website onthelashband.com.
Most of the music on the album is from the traditional Irish heritage that is the primary influence of the band.
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Carnival with rides and games for all ages at City Hall. Wristbands for the carnival will be available for purchase Wednesday, July 2, until Thursday, July 3 for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center.
4 to 10 p.m. – Evening Celebration at City Hall with community booths, food trucks, a beer tent and live music – all leading up to FIREWORKS at DUSK.
Community members are encouraged to bring credit and debit cards to the event since all activities and many vendors are cashless. Find all the details, including parking and volunteer information, at kentwood.us/July4.
“Our Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments begin planning months in advance to make Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration a memorable event for all,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From the morning pancake breakfast to the evening fireworks, this celebration is a great opportunity for our community to come together, have fun and honor the holiday.”
Check out the Kentwood Summer Concert Series Lineup for July From 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 14 there is live music from local bands. Bring a blanket or chair and watch the performances on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Food trucks will be on-site with food and beverages for purchase each week. Concertgoers may also bring their own food and beer or wine. Get there early and explore the Kentwood Farmers Market from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.
July’s lineup includes four performances: July 10 – On the Lash, performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que & Catering. July 17 – Sunchaser, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World. July 24 – Grupo Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters. July 31 – Roosevelt Diggs, performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes. Please note: There’s no concert or Farmers Market on July 3. For more information about the concerts, go to Kentwood.us/MarketsAndMusic.
Shop Local at the Kentwood Farmers Market through Aug. 21 The 11th season of the Kentwood Farmers Market runs through Aug. 21. You can find fresh produce, baked goods, tea, craft items and more from a variety of local vendors from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Food trucks also are on-site each week.
Kentwood Farmers Market. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Summer Food Programs
Free lunches for children and some adults are available again this summer through Kent District Library’s Gather 2 Grow program, a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. Kids ages 0-18 and individuals who are younger than age 26 and have a disability can enjoy a nutritious lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday through Aug. 29 at KDL – Kentwood (Richard L. Root), 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Learn more at kdl.org/lunch.
In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is starting its annual SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program, providing eligible households with $120 per child to purchase nutritious groceries. This initiative ensures kids have access to healthy food while school is out, bridging a gap in food security for thousands of kids in Michigan. Learn more and apply here.
The Kent District Library (KDL) Kentwood Branch Library. (WKTV)
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Events The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch will offer a variety of programs this month, including: KDL Lab Experience: Creature Power: Thursday, July 3, 10-11 a.m. Explore the amazing world of creatures big and small as we dive into fun animal activities. Ruff Readers: Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This unique read-aloud program in partnership with West Michigan Therapy Dogs Inc. pairs kids with a trained therapy dog and their handler. Kids read their favorite book and the pooches curl up, listen and enjoy. Eric Litwin – Pete the Cat Family Concert: Tuesday, July 15, 10-11 a.m. Join Eric Litwin, the original author of the “Pete the Cat” series as well as the author of “The Nuts and Groovy Joe,” for a groovy time of song singing, guitar strumming and picture taking. Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights: Tuesday, July 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Melissa Kaelin, founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of “Beyond the 45th Parallel,” to discover how to view the northern lights. Learn how an aurora is created and the best methods for predicting an aurora display.
Also, check out KDL’s Author Talks, online conversations in which authors of interesting, popular, informative and compelling books share more about their work, their writing process and the things that inspire them. These conversations are led by passionate readers from the Library Speakers Consortium, and they offer a chance for attendees to ask questions about their favorite authors and topics. Learn more at kdl.org/authortalks. Find a full list of KDL events at kdl.org
Home Lead Inspections Get ahead of lead: Homeowners who live in a home built before 1978 can get free paint, dust and soil lead testing through Kent County Community Action. Learn more and apply for the Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction program by visiting gettingaheadoflead.com/kclear.
Does the recent 90-degree heat have you in the mood for the beach? If so, then Thursday’s performance at the Kentwood Summer Concert Series will help achieve that mindset.
Hark Up Horns, featuring their Fun in the Sun Band, will bring plenty of summer-type, beach music Thursday to the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall. The concert runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Along with the concert, food trucks will be on hand and the Kentwood Farmers Market will have plenty of vendors offering a wide variety of products. Concertgoers are encouraged to come early for the Farmers Market next door in the parking lot behind City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
This week’s concert will have you feeling like you’re at the beach as Hark Up Horn’s Fun in the Sun Band brings an upbeat, summertime sound that’ll have concertgoers getting involved.
“Our Fun in the Sun Band plays all kinds of summertime music,” said Chris Hansen, Executive Director and Founder of Hark Up Horns. “We will have a lot of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s along with some new stuff. It will be a lot of summer-type music and it will be all pop-type music.”
Hark Up Horns. (Photo Courtesy, Hark Up Horns)
The band will have concertgoers in a beach-type frame of mind with many of their summer songs.
“We have a Beach Boys medley,” Hansen said. “We also do some Beatles covers and some Paul Simon tunes. We will have some swing and pop-type stuff. It will be a lot of things that will get the people up and dancing to the music.”
The Fun in the Sun Band is one of several bands that are part of the Hark Up Music lineup that has been entertaining music lovers around West Michigan since the 1990s.
Hark Up is a faith-based music organization made up of skilled, West Michigan talent. They provide a diverse collection of programming suited for both private and community-centered events the year round. Hark Up has access to over 200 experienced, local musicians and is able to provide the perfect music for every occasion. From Sunday morning worship to community festivals and even small parties, Hark Up works with people to create an ideal musical experience.
“We have really been pushing to play more of the local, community events during the past four or five years,” Hansen said. “I’m not sure we have played Kentwood before, but we have played Walker and we used to play at the East Grand Rapids Fourth of July celebration and now we do the Fourth of July in Ada. We just did a show in Grandville and have one coming up in Hopkins so we get around a lot in West Michigan.”
The band encourages audience participation and does more than just play music to get concertgoers involved.
“We bring hula hoops and have a hula hoop contest,” Hansen said. “We also have a limbo pole and a twist contest. We also play the Macarena and get the people involved in that. We like to have a lot of audience participation.”
The group usually has a four-piece rhythm section, a four-piece horn section and from four to six vocalists.
Hark Up also is a non-profit 501c3 music and arts ministry that operates on a volunteer basis made possible by sponsors and donors whose aim is to share the power of music throughout West Michigan.
Up tonight in the Kentwood Summer Concert Series is Motherland House Concerts, who will bring the vibrant sounds of Africa to the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.
The concert runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
Along with the concert, food trucks will be on hand and the Kentwood Farmers Market will be a celebration of Kentwood culture with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. The Market takes place next door in the parking lot behind City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Concert goers will be in for a musical and cultural treat with the performance from Motherland House Concerts. The group is a collection of vocalists and instrumentalists from across the world who come together to give concertgoers a taste of the music from around the world.
The idea for the group came from Mirabel Umenei (Myra Maimoh), a vocalist with the group and also the founder and CED of Motherland Cultural Connections.
Umene, originally from Cameroon, immigrated to the United States in 2011. After getting her Masters Degree in West Virginia, she then moved to Grand Rapids where she pursued her dream of performing her blend of music and storytelling from her background in Cameroon.
Umenei got her break when she was able to perform at the former Rising Grinds Café on Madison Ave. and Hall in Grand Rapids.
“They were hosting house concerts and that is where I got my big break,” Umenei said. “People liked the mix of singing and storytelling and eventually the crowds became big enough that we ran out of space and needed to find a larger venue.”
Umenei came up with the idea of the group out of necessity as both an immigrant and a newcomer to the music scene in the Grand Rapids area.
Group founded in 2016
“We started the group in 2016,” Umenei said. “I came to Grand Rapids and was looking for avenues to perform and showcase my music. I looked around and accessed the situation. Like other immigrants, I was new to the area and had no idea where to get started.”
From there, the group grew with different artists and a multitude of different backgrounds getting together in the group and bringing their styles and skills to the group.
“We have many different nationalities,” Umenei said. “We have artists from Kenya, the two Congos, Ghana, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Taiwan and other countries.”
Not only are the members from a variety of countries, but the music they bring to the group covers a vast spectrum along with specific music from the variety of countries the group members represent.
“We have different vocalists and instrumentalists,” Umenei said. “We have musicians from different styles and different genres. At the end of the day it gives our audience a great musical experience.”
Along with music, the group also includes storytelling and shares stories and elements of the different countries members of the group originated from.
“Our goal is to educate and have fun”
“When we perform our goal is to educate and have fun,” Umenei said. “Our focus is on the storytelling and music. I’m very proud of how far we have come as a group and I’m also very thankful for the support from the community and the people who come to our shows.”
“More meaningful night on Juneteenth”
This week’s show is taking place on Juneteenth, and that makes Thursday’s show all the more meaningful.
“It is a day that all of us can celebrate,” Umenei said. “We can celebrate the great progress made by immigrants from Africa, African-Americans and Africans that have been living in America for hundreds of years. It’s a day we can celebrate all our different cultures It’s a day we can learn about each other and share our culture. We want to heal hearts and bring joy and healing to the community.”
Up next on stage for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is That Beatles Thing at 7 p.m. tonight on the lawn behind City Hall.
Come celebrate the timeless music of the Beatles tonight behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase. The Summer Concert Series features a local music group on Thursdays, June 5 through Aug. 14 (except July 3) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Kentwood Farmers Market The Farmers Market runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 5 through Aug. 21 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. There will be no Farmers Market and concert Thursday, July 3.
Kentwood Farmers Market. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“Our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series have become community favorites for neighbors, friends and families to come together for food, fun and festivities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From local vendors and themed farmers markets to live music and delicious food trucks, there’s something for everyone at our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series.”
The Farmers Market offers a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, EBT and Double Up Food Bucks. The market’s season harvest sponsor is Renewal by Anderson, the artisan sponsor is Corewell Health and the friend of the market is Arie Nol Auto Center.
A new addition to this year’s June Farmers Markets is a free Zumba class from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. at the concert stage.
Here’s the summer lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 12 – Art at the Market at the Farmers Market, featuring an opportunity to create a work of art using produce to create a painting. That Beatles Thing performing Beatles covers. Food trucks include El Globo Restaurant Mobile, Scott’s Pig Roast, Kool Breze, Media Famous Street Foods and Luna Bella’s.
June 19 – Celebrate Kentwood Culture at the Farmers Market with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. Motherland House Concerts bringing the vibrant sounds of Africa. Food trucks include Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas, YoChef’s Catering Company, Cheezy Duz-It and Dune Buggy.
June 26 – Produce Bingo at the Farmers Market. Hark Up Horns performing jazz, swing, pop and rock. Food trucks include Baerrito, La Rotisserie, Sanse Filpino Cuisine and Freddy Franks.
July 10 – Bike Night at the Farmers Market featuring local bike organizations. On the Lash performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que and Catering.
July 17 – Backyard Barbeque and farm-fresh goodies at the Farmers Market. Sunchaser Band, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World.
July 24 – Christmas in July at the Farmers Market, featuring holiday-themed goods. Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters.
July 31 – Fitness Fun at the Farmers Market featuring a quick HIITER demonstration. Roosevelt Diggs performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks and Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes.
Aug. 7 – Throwback Thursday at the Farmers Market with a chance to win a prize for best dressed. RocknSoul performing covers of songs from the 1970s and ’80s. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Taqueria Mi Pueblo MI, 616 Kabob Stop and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack.
Aug. 14 – Back-to-School Bash at the Farmers Market, featuring a foam party, school supplies giveaway and more. Innuendo playing rock and roll covers. Food trucks include Tacos la Familia, Cheezy Duz-It, Motor Mouth MI, Kool Breze and PAC Brazilian Food.
Aug. 21 – Dog Days of Summer at the Farmers Market featuring more vendors and services for your furry friends. No live music, but food trucks Tacos Mexico, Taste of Toya’s World and PizzaMI will be on-site.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the following locations:
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2025 season on Thursday, June 5.
The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 5 through Aug. 21 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall. There will be no Farmers Market and concert Thursday, July 3.
“Our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series have become community favorites for neighbors, friends and families to come together for food, fun and festivities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “From local vendors and themed farmers markets to live music and delicious food trucks, there’s something for everyone at our Farmers Markets and Summer Concert Series.”
The Farmers Market will offer a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, EBT and Double Up Food Bucks. The market’s season harvest sponsor is Renewal by Anderson, the artisan sponsor is Corewell Health and the friend of the market is Arie Nol Auto Center.
A new addition to this year’s June Farmers Markets is a free Zumba class from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. at the concert stage.
The Summer Concert Series will feature a local music group on Thursdays June 5 through Aug. 14, except July 3. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.
Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 5 – Opening day and 11th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. Tony Thompson and Friends playing soul, funk, Motown and dance music. Food trucks include El Jalapeno, PizzaMI, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Patty Matters and Eastown Cereal Café.
June 12 – Art at the Market at the Farmers Market, featuring an opportunity to create a work of art using produce to create a painting. That Beatles Thing performing Beatles covers. Food trucks include El Globo Restaurant Mobile, Scott’s Pig Roast, Kool Breze, Media Famous Street Foods and Luna Bella’s.
June 19 – Celebrate Kentwood Culture at the Farmers Market with colorful textiles, savory spices and more. Motherland House Concerts bringing the vibrant sounds of Africa. Food trucks include Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas, YoChef’s Catering Company, Cheezy Duz-It and Dune Buggy.
June 26 – Produce Bingo at the Farmers Market. Hark Up Horns performing jazz, swing, pop and rock. Food trucks include Baerrito, La Rotisserie, Sanse Filpino Cuisine and Freddy Franks.
July 10 – Bike Night at the Farmers Market featuring local bike organizations. On the Lash performing traditional Celtic music. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Los Pinches Tacos and Dakiddd Bar-B-Que and Catering.
July 17 – Backyard Barbeque and farm-fresh goodies at the Farmers Market. Sunchaser Band, a five-piece band playing rock, country, blues, R&B and more. Food trucks include Taquero Mucho, Falafel Truck, Boujee Bowls and Taste of Toya’s World.
July 24 – Christmas in July at the Farmers Market, featuring holiday-themed goods. Fierro, performing energetic norteño and tejano music. Food trucks include Kory’s Antojitos, Around Baking Company, Frostbite Shaved Ice and Patty Matters.
July 31 – Fitness Fun at the Farmers Market featuring a quick HIITER demonstration. Roosevelt Diggs performing a blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and more. Food trucks include Freddy Franks, Tamales Mary, Sweet Racks and Smokin’ Butts BBQ and Dolce Mini Cakes.
Aug. 7 – Throwback Thursday at the Farmers Market with a chance to win a prize for best dressed. RocknSoul performing covers of songs from the 1970s and ’80s. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Taqueria Mi Pueblo MI, 616 Kabob Stop and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack.
Aug. 14 – Back-to-School Bash at the Farmers Market, featuring a foam party, school supplies giveaway and more. Innuendo playing rock and roll covers. Food trucks include Tacos la Familia, Cheezy Duz-It, Motor Mouth MI, Kool Breze and PAC Brazilian Food.
Aug. 21 – Dog Days of Summer at the Farmers Market featuring more vendors and services for your furry friends. No live music, but food trucks Tacos Mexico, Taste of Toya’s World and PizzaMI will be on-site.
Diamond sponsor of the event is Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series include Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, Sabo PR, Triangle Associates, MSU Federal Credit Union and DTE Energy Foundation. Silver sponsors of the concert series are Arie Nol Auto Center and Moonlight Graphics Inc., and copper sponsors are the Joint Chiropractic and Renewal by Anderson.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the following locations:
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE
Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE
More information about the Farmers Market, including vendor and volunteer details and registration, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
Summer is coming to an end and the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with its partners for a final summer bash.
This Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kentwood Parks and Rec is hosting a Back to School Bash in conjunction with the final Kentwood Farmers Market of the season located at 4900 Breton SE.
The event also includes the final concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series featuring the Sarena Rae Band.
Sarena Rae Band. (Courtesy, Sarena Rae)
The Back to School Bash includes plenty of activities for students of all grades: a Foam Party, a Bounce House and a petting zoo, along with a number of other games and activities.
There also will be free haircuts and braids provided, free hygiene kits and school supply giveaways. Also, community resource organizations will be on hand, including MSUE (Michigan State University Extension), Catherine’s Health Center, Treetops Collective, Soccer Buddies, the Kent Country Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and more.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Sarena Rae Band is the highlight of the evening with a 7 p.m. starting time. The band was originally scheduled to perform Aug. 15 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series, but inclement weather postponed it to this Thursday.
“I’m so excited about the concert and performing for the students and their families” Rae said. “I was originally supposed to perform two weeks ago, but the concert was postponed due to the inclement weather. It’s actually a blessing in disguise because I am so excited to play for the Back to School Bash and perform for all the families and kids in Kentwood.”
Rae grew up in Grand Rapids and began to develop an interest in music at an early age.
“My mother sang in the church choir and I would tag along with her,” Rae said. “I actually had my first solo at the church when I was five-years old. I knew then that I wanted to be a performer. I’ve always had a love of music. We always had Motown on in our house, and when I was growing up, I always wanted to be a little Diana Ross.”
(Courtesy, Sarena Rae)
Since then, Rae has grown her musical career. She released her original debut single and music video, “You’re Beautiful,” at age 16. In 2019, she recorded her original EP entitled, “Heaven,” and released her EP in the fall of 2020. Last December, Rae released a new Christmas Album.
The Sarena Rae Band has been busy this summer with concerts across the West Michigan area. Rae and her band bring a soulful evening of original music and a variety of well-known songs that concert goers can sing and dance along to. The Sarena Rae Band also recently released a new original song, “Feel So Fine,” on July 26.
“I would say that my style is a mix of pop and R&B,” Rae said. “It is very Motown-inspired for sure. We are going to be playing my original music and some covers that the kids and their families can dance to. The concert will be a good time for everyone.”
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and take in the concert on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The final Kentwood Farmer’s Market of the season also promises to have a bumper crop of fruits, vegetables and more as the summer harvest is at its peak. Among the vendors that are scheduled to be at the Kentwood Farmer’s Market are Better Place Farm, Big Mitten Coffee, Crème Delights, Daily Indulgence, Golden Tumeric Paste, Grand Rapids Tea Company, Handbreadth Homestead LLC, Irie Kitchen, Latchaw Farms, Loaves and More by Alice, Mandoo (Korean Dumpling), Shalini Farms, Simply Rustic Dough, Sister Bees, Sophrona Teas, Sulugu Shea Butter LLC, Tenneyberry and That Sweet & Nutty Guy.
Food trucks also will be present to satisfy your hunger. Food trucks scheduled to be in attendance include Patty Matters, Tast of Toya’s World, El Jalapeno and Sugary Snowballs.
Be sure to check out Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 7 p.m. Thursday performing R&B, pop, funk, Top 40 hits, soul and classics as part of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series on the lawn behind City Hall.
The concert runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature the following food trucks: El Global Mobile, Lazy Man BBQ, Furniture City Creamery and Dune Buggy.
The Farmers Market will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday as well. It runs every Thursday from June 6 through Aug. 29 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE and on-street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
Concertgoers are also welcome to bring their own beer or wine to the show. Concerts will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home at www.facebook.com/WKTV.org/
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2024 season on June 6.
The Farmers Market will run 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 6 through Aug. 29 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.
“We’re looking forward to offering more farm fresh goods and great music for our community to enjoy outside City Hall all summer long,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to shop for local produce and homemade goods or want a fun night out with friends and loved ones discovering a new band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series offer the perfect summer experience.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. The market’s season sponsors are JCI South Kent and Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan, and the market’s artisan sponsor is Metronet.
In addition, community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring ten local music groups every Thursday June 6-Aug. 15, skipping July 4 for the annual Kentwood fourth of July Celebration. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.
Brena concert in 2022. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Diamond sponsors of the concert series include NN Autocam, Inc, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 6: Opening day and 10th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. The Summer Concert Series kicks off with Nathan Walton and the Remedy concert at 7 p.m., playing original soul-rock. Food trucks include PizzaMI, Kool Breze, El Jalapeno and Lazy Man BBQ.
June 13: The Chris Canas Band concert at 7 p.m., performing the blues with food trucks Silver Star Café “Airbourne Burritos,” Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids and Patty Matters.
June 20: Grupo Viento concert at 7 p.m., featuring Tejano music. Food trucks include Taste of Toya’s World, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Boujee Bowls and The Falafel Truck.
June 27: Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional bike vendors plus a group bike ride. The Summer Concert Series will feature Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 7 p.m., performing R&B, pop, funk, Top 40 hits, soul and classics. Food trucks include El Global Mobile, Lazy Man BBQ, Furniture City Creamery and Dune Buggy.
July 4: No Farmers Market or Summer Concert on July 4, but a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, 5k run, carnival, live music, beer tent and fireworks. Details online at kentwood.us/July4
July 11: Roosevelt Diggs concert at 7 p.m., featuring blend of folk, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock-n-roll. Food trucks include Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kool Breze, Luna Bella’s LLC and Sweet Racks and Smokin Butts BBQ.
July 18: TYPO concert at 7 p.m., playing rock, country, pop and urban favorites. Food trucks include Silver Star Café “Airborne Melts,” PizzaMI, Patty Matters and Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids.
July 25:The Soul Syndicate concert at 7 p.m., performing R&B, funk, soul and Motown medleys. Food trucks include Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, The Falafel Truck, Dune Buggy and PJW Creole Cuisine.
Aug. 1: The Bootstrap Boys concert at 7 p.m., playing a fresh take on classic country. Food trucks include Street Frites, Kool Breze, Boujee Bowls and Casa de los Abuelos.
Aug. 8: National Farmers Market Week and Watermelon Mania at the Kentwood Farmers Market. MexiCuba concert at 7 p.m., featuring mix of Salsa, merengue, bachata and Cuban traditional music. Food trucks include Skinny Kenny’s BBQ, El Jalapeno, Taste of Toya’s World and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack
Aug. 15: The Sarena Rae Band concert at 7 p.m., performing soulful original music plus a variety of covers. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Los Pinches Tacos, Kool Breze and Sanse Filipino Cuisine.
Aug. 22: Dog Days of Summer at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional vendors and services for your furry friends. Food trucks Patty Matters and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack will be there.
Aug. 19: Back to School Bash at the Kentwood Farmers Market with food trucks Taste of Toya’s World and El Jalapeno.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE and on-street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
Learn more by watching this video clip: WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.
The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:
June 15
June 22
June 29
July 13
July 20
July 27
Aug. 3
Aug. 10
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.
The Accidentals, talking to WKTV early this year, said they could not wait to leave their pandemic quiet places in their hometown of Traverse City and get back on the road — but they were productive in their time off.
“We found things that work for us and found things that didn’t work for us,” Savannah “Sav” Buist — who along with Katie Larson and Michael Dause make up The Accidentals — said to WKTV in May. “But I think it was just nice to have the time … We toured so consistently that when we come home Katie and I just tend to spit out songs within a week and then not really look back. It was nice to look back … I learned to take my time, to come back to a song.”
Back on the road with their usual hectic pace of concerts across Michigan and the region, the band will be making a stop Thursday, Aug. 5, at the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concerts free series hitting the stage at 7 p.m.
And songs familiar and new will be on the set list.
The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)
“Might As Well Be Gold” is one of the new songs, included on the “TIME OUT (Session 1), which was released May 7. The EP is a collection of songs which includes the single “Wildfire”, co-written by Kim Richey — who has worked with the likes ofTrisha Yearwood, Radney Foster, Brooks & Dunn — and which is getting The Accidentals a fair amount of national notice and airplay.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has one more Thursday night date, a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.
While most of the series of concerts have been livestreamed by WKTV, contractual restrictions by the band’s record label will prevent The Accidentals from being shown live or on-demand.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Benzing Graves Collective — aka “BGC” — may be led in music and name by Austin Benzing and Hannah Rose Graves, but with Jeremiah Wenger, Luke Lenhart and Max Griffith added to the “collective”, the band’s stop in Kentwood this week is sure to offer the audience “old-school country steeped in swingin’ good times,” so they say their facebook page.
The West Michigan group of musicians and songwriters hail from different parts of Michigan, were raised on different styles of music, but blend all of the best genres to create their own completely unique sound.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites Dalmatian Stone on July 22, David Gerald on July 29, The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
The best way to describe The Bootstrap Boys — this week’s offering as part of the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts, on Thursday, July 8, at 7 p.m. — is probably to get out of the way and let them do the talkin’.
“This is country music, just like we know how to make it,” the band says on its website. “It comes from days of hard work, nights in the honky-tonk, and mornings in the church. The songs have a distinct flavor of the workin’ man, folks with dirt on their hands, good times, bad times, drinkin’, druggin’, lovin’, livin’ on the road, and what a friend we have in Jesus.”
‘Nuf said. (But if you need more, check out their website at thebootstrapboys.com.)
And just in case you want another opinion:
“The Bootstrap Boys are singlehandedly reviving country music in West Michigan both in attitude as well as song,” Luke Sass, promotional manager for Founders Brewing Company, says on the band’s website. “The band’s ability to tell stories indicative of a life lived on the razor’s edge is only eclipsed by the ease with which they connect to their audiences.”
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald. (The Soul Syndicate night has been rescheduled for Aug. 19.)
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. The concerts will also be available on WKTV cable channels the following Tuesday at 9 p.m., and the next weekend on Saturday at 12:30 and 7 p.m. See the WKTV On-air Schedule for details.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
Classic soul, R&B and a little ‘funk” for your summer evening will be provided by The Soul Syndicate this week as the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts return for a summer run beginning Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.
The summer series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 5, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. (Click on the Live Streams link in the upper right of the page.)
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.
Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.
“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”
The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.
In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.
The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)
In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.
“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”
There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights beginning June 24, the city officially announced last week.
The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)
This year’s lineup West Michigan’s own The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective and The Soul Syndicate, as well as other Michigan bands.
“We’re pleased to be able offer another fantastic lineup of bands for community members to enjoy live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome concertgoers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us on the lawn behind City Hall.”
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
The schedule, with links to the band’s FaceBook page, is as follows:
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule. Starting June 3, the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
You got to love a blues/soul band whose lead singer has the nickname of ‘Sookie” and hits the stage with a self-described “rock solid rhythm section.”
And anybody who has heard and seen Blue Soul Express, — stopping by the Kentwood Summer Concert series Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m. — knows there is a lot to love here.
Blue Soul Express, based out of Grand Rapids, “will take you on a journey through classic soul, R&B, funk and blues,” the band says on their Facebook page. Oh, and remember to “Bring your dancing shoes!”
The band is led by vocalist of Brenda “Sookie” Harris, guitarist Darryl Matthews, Mike Phelps on keyboards and vocals, and “a rock solid rhythm section” of bassist Mark Hicks and drummer Mark Jilbert.
WKTV will not be covering this concert due to a scheduling conflict but will be covering the remainder of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the complete WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.
The series runs on select Thursday nights through August.
The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:
July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.
July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.
Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.
Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
The Beatles’ classics, played by four local guys who “love these songs,” will be featured as That Beatles Thing take the stage to open to the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series of free concerts on Thursday, June 20.
“Most like the Beatles; some have That Beatles Thing,” the band says of themselves. “That Beatles Thing plays the music of the Beatles. … Faithfully reproducing 150 songs from the Beatles catalog.”
WKTV will be covering the concert, and almost all of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the complete WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).
That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)
According to the band’s website, “James Murphy started the band a couple of years ago. What it has evolved to now is really just about 4 guys who love these songs. We’re all passionate about the songs of the Fab 4, we’ve got ‘That Beatles Thing’.”
The band is Murphy singing most of the songs and playing guitar, Bill Van Ess singing and playing bass, Pete Bardolph singing and playing lead guitar and Fritz von Valtier singing, playing drums, and “shaking things.”
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.
The series runs on select Thursday nights through August.
The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:
June 27 — Blue Soul Express, delivering classic soul, R&B, funk and blues. If this is not perfect for a summer boogie party, nothing is. For more information visit here. (Note: due to a scheduling conflict, WKTV will not cover this concert.)
July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.
July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.
Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
Maybe the best known of the headliners at this summer’s City of Kentwood Summer Concert series are West Michigan favorites The Crane Wives, May Erlewine and The Moxie Strings.
But, starting with The Adams Family coming to town next week, there is not a sour note in a series that will feature an eclectic mix of indie, folk, country, blues and rock music.
The Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.
In addition to a variety of music, the concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.
“One of the best ways to embrace the warm weather with family and friends is to relax and unwind with live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We are thrilled with our lineup for this year’s summer concert series, and welcome concert-goers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us.”
Opening the series, The Adams Family play a blend of folk, doo-wop and classic rock by members Jerry Adams, Brian Adams, Cindy Adams Kropf and Dale Kropf. The band is out of Lowell and describe themselves as an “acoustic folkin’ rock” band.
“When you hear the intricate vocal blend that only close relatives can create, there’s no mistaking that The Adams Family really is a family,” a statement on the band’s website reads. “The band features three lead vocalists: Cindy Adams Kropf, her brother Jerry Adams, and Jerry’s son Brian Adams. Rounding out the group is Cindy’s husband, Dale Kropf, on bass and background vocals.”
For more information on the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series, visit here.
These concerts are cable rebroadcast on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99, usually on the following Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (or following the rebroadcast of a City of Wyoming summer concert. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature broadcast schedules.
The nice weather is finally here! What could be better than sitting in a lawn chair while listening to popular music.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series sponsored by DTE Energy will be held at the Kentwood Library Amphitheatre on five Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. this summer as follows; June 18th- Jetty Rae
