St. Joe Today is excited to announce the return of both the Wednesday Brown Bag Concert Series and the Friday Night Concert Series. Both series will showcase regional musicians for a free hour-long concert each week in one of the most scenic venues along Lake Michigan’s shore. Performances will take place at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell on Port Street which offers concertgoers a beautiful view of the St. Joseph River, Lake Michigan, and downtown St. Joe.
“The bandshell is such an incredible venue to enjoy live music!” said Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. “We hope you’ll join us throughout the summer as we continue to highlight the best St. Joe has to offer.”
The Wednesday Brown Bag Concert Series offers lunchtime entertainment from 12:00p-1:00p each week, July 17-August 28. Knapp said concertgoers can bring in brown bag lunches or get take-out food from a variety of restaurants in the adjacent downtown. This year’s lineup includes:
- July 17 - Tim Velez (Classic Rock & Country)
- July 24 - Mike Talbot (American Hits)
- July 31 - Richard Schwartz (50’s, 60’s, 70’s Oldies)
- August 7 - Jack Adams (JamBand)
- August 14 - Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey (Blues, Jazz, Boogie Woogie) August 21 - Anna p.s. (Indie Folk)
- August 30 - Leonardo (Children’s/Family-Friendly)
Additionally, on Wednesday nights head to the Wednesday Night Market. This weekly market will be held on Wednesdays, July 17 through August 28 from 4:00p-8:00p in Court Place Plaza (across from Silver Harbor Brewing) and will feature a mix of artisans and their handcrafted goods + farmers and their food/beverages plus enjoy live music from 5:00p-8:00p. For more information visit, stjoetoday.com/nightmarket. Sponsored by Silver Harbor Brewing.
The Friday Night Concert Series offers a great opportunity to unwind and kick off the weekend from 7:00p-8:00p each week, July 19-August 30. Sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro. This year’s lineup includes:
- July 19 - Blue Shoes (Big Band Style)
- July 26 - Lighting Matches (Alternative Rock)
- August 2 - PT and the Cruisers (Blues, Oldies)
- August 9 - Municipal Band Jazz Band (Jazz/Funk/Rock/Latin)
- August 16 - Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra - Small Group (Symphonic) August 23 - Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (Big Band Jazz)
- August 30 - The Backups (Indie Rock)
“These concerts are a great cornerstone to your evening in St. Joe or just a nice break from your busy day,” said Knapp. “The bandshell is walking distance from the beach, ice cream, shopping, restaurants, and sits nicely within St. Joe’s Social District. So make sure to order your sunset cocktail, ‘to go.’”
Additional upcoming spring and summer events:
- Antiques on the Bluff: First Sunday of the Month, May-Oct. (10:00a-5:00p) St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 25-Oct. 12 (9:00a-2:00p)
- Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: June 1, July 20, Aug. 17, Aug. 31 (10:00a-5:00p)
- Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts: Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 28 (12:00p-1:00p) Wednesday Night Market: Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 28 (4:00p-8:00p) Friday Night Concert Series: Fridays, July 19-Aug. 30 (7:00p-8:00p)
- Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: Friday, July 19 (4:00p-8:00p)
- Chalk the Block: August 2-4 (All Weekend)
