Summer-long concert series offers shopping and more along Lake Michigan's shores

ST.JOSEPH, Mich. -- Unwind all summer-long with along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Attendees can enjoy stellar musical acts as part of a free series of concerts held in St. Joseph every Wednesday and Friday at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell on Port Street.

Organizers say concertgoers can enjoy music while experiencing the beautiful scenery of downtown St. Joseph, the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan.

“The bandshell has both bench and lawn seating, so it’s an awesome place for all ages to experience the joy of listening to live music,” said Amy Zapal, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today. “You’ll come away from every concert in a great mood.”

Wednesday’s Brown Bag Concerts will offer entertainment from noon to 1 p.m. from June 26-Aug.21. Attendees are invited to bring in their own brown bag lunches or order takeout at any of the dining spots downtown.

Wednesday's lineup:

-June 26—Richard Schwartz (Classics you love!)

-July 3—Deep Fried Pickle Project Jug Band (Kids Show)

-July 10—Mockingbird (Easy Listening/Rock/Country)

-July 17—Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey (Hot Jazz/Blues/Cabaret)
-July 24— Campfire Stu (Kids Show)
-July 31—Jenna Mammina (Jazz/Pop)
-August 7—Leonardo (Kids Show)
-August 14—Lighting Matches (Acoustic Folk)

August 21—Matt Gabriel (Roots/Country/Americana)

Following the concert, take a walk down State and Elm Streets to enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides.

Presented by the The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Friday Night Concert Series will occur from June 21-Aug.30 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

-June 21—The Moonlighters (Big Band)
-June 28—Lorrie Snyder or The Snyders (Jazz)
-July 5—Boulevard Billies (Roots/Folk/Rock)
-July 19—Trevor Jones and Friends (Jazz)
-July 26—Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (Jazz/Big Band)
-August 2—B-Side Growlers (Roots/Americana)
-August 9—Saturday June Band (Classic Rock/Oldies)
-August 16—Delilah Dewylde (Rockabilly)
-August 23—Van Dyke Revue (Classic Hits)
-August 30—Blue Shoes (Jazz/Big Band)

“The concerts are within walking distance of beaches, shopping, and more family entertainment,” said Zapal.”They’re the perfect interlude to your work or vacation day. Plus, with the bustling downtown just steps away, additional opportunities for dining, shopping, and exploring are easily accessible.”

Brown Bag concerts are sponsored by Holt Bosse and Friday night concerts are made possible by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.