Bringing people together has always been the focus of the Bay Arts Council’s Wednesdays in the Park Summer Concert Series.
So in addition to this summer’s regular Wednesday entertainment, the council has planned something special — the concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” — as a kickoff to Bay City’s Tall Ships Celebration on July 15-18.
The council is inviting the public to join in, with the goal being 100 people on stage. The event — which is free — is planned for 7 p.m. July 15 in the World Friendship Shell at Wenonah Park in downtown Bay City.
With the tall ships docking in town July 15-18, “I thought what a great experience for our community to do a musical event for all our citizens,” said Don Clark, coordinator of the Wednesdays in the Park summer series. “Bring people together, free of charge to everyone.”
Those wishing to participate can e-mail Clark at djcphd@chartermi.net to sign up.
Before the tall ships sail up the river, there are plenty of chances to head down to the park and check out some good entertainment. Clark says this year’s schedule has something for every type of musical taste.
Gates open for each Wednesdays in the Park at 5:30 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for youths. New to the park this year is pizza, provided by BJ’s Pizza.
The series includes:
• June 2 — Local bands The Burdons and Under Advisement, two groups that know how to rock ’n’ roll like the good old days.
• June 9 — Bay Concert Band, a group of woodwind, brass and percussion performers.
• June 16 — Bugs Beddow and his band bring trombone-driven soul to the stage.
“It’s big band that will appeal to those people who enjoy the big band sounds,” said Clark. “They have a lead singer who is almost Sinatra-esque.”
• June 23 — Lights, A Tribute to Journey
• July 7 — Serpentine Fire, an Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band
• July 14 — North America’s premiere Celtic heritage performance group the Tartan Terrors
“We wanted to find a group that would compliment Tall Ships,” Clark said, adding that members of the group engage the audience with not just song but dance and storytelling as well.
• July 17 — The fun moves to Veteran’s Memorial Park for Alice Cooper, who’s performing as part of the Tall Ships celebration. Tickets are $45 VIP and $30 general. Gates open at 4 p.m.
• July 21 — Mama Kin, a tribute to Aerosmith.
• July 28 — Beatlegras, new to the stage this year, adds an infusion of bluegrass and jazz to the tunes of the Fab Four.
• Aug. 4 — Swing and ballads are in the spotlight with Jim Paravantes, who will perform tunes from the Great American Songbook.
• Aug. 11 — A household name throughout the Midwest for nearly 20 years, McGuffey Lane brings its mix of high-energy rock and contemporary rock to the stage.
• Aug. 18 — Bon Jovi tribute band Livin’ On a Prayer
• Aug. 25 — Persuasion, from Detroit, returns to the stage playing hits from Motown to Sinatra.
• Sept. 1 — The series closes in a traditional way with Phil Dirt and the Dozers, performing
hits from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
Preview
What: Wednesdays in Park, 2010 Summer Concert Series, presented by the Bay Arts Council
When: 7 p.m. each Wednesday, June 2 through Sept. 1
Where: Wenonah Park, downtown Bay City
Admission: $8 adults, $3 youth
Info: (989) 893-0343, or www.bayartscouncil.org
For the younger crowd
The Dow Corning Young People’s Summer Series continues this summer in Wenonah Park. Performances take place from 11:30-12:15 p.m. June 23, July 7 and 21, and Aug. 4 and 18. Music, storytelling and theater performances are on the schedule. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.bayartscouncil.org.