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DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Music in The Park summer concert series is set to return to the Dowagiac Library Event Pavilion next week. 

The series will take place at the pavilion – located on the corner of New York Avenue and Main Street – at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13 and every Thursday through August 22, with the exception of July 4 for the holiday. 

Information on all events, including performers, food vendors, and links to Facebook events for each show are available at dowagiacmusic.com. Though RSVPing to Facebook events isn’t necessary to attend these free events, it’s handy to get updates and reminders. Any changes to events, e.g., weather cancellations, can be found on both dowagiacmusic.com and Facebook events.

Food vendors will be on-site and ready to serve by 6 p.m. The music starts at 7.30 p.m. and runs until approximately 8.45 p.m. Ample parking is available in on-site lots, the street, and the Snow Building across the street and attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite seating. The events are family-friendly, pet-friendly and free to the public.

“Music in the Park is one of those events that allows us to slow down for a moment and enjoy shared experiences as a community,” said City Manager Kevin Anderson in an April interview. “From the casual comfort of a lawn chair or blanket, we can visit with old friends, make new ones, commune over food, let the kids play in the grass, and enjoy live music. The sounds, tastes, and faces may change each week, but a free, weekly, summer concert has been a constant in Dowagiac since the 1800s. Events like these add to a community’s well-being and quality of life.”

These events drive a lot of traffic into the Downtown Dowagiac area. This year, OAK+ASH and Caruso’s have planned extended hours on Thursdays specifically around the concerts. 

The series is put together by a team of Dowagiac residents led by Executive Producer Zena Burns, a Dowagiac resident with more than 25 years of background in the music industry. That team includes area resident and volunteer Dennis Kelley, who’s become known as the “Water Boy,” handing out complimentary water to keep attendees hydrated and happy.

For Burns and the rest of the team, sponsors make the series possible. This year’s sponsors are Lyons Industries, Southwestern Michigan College, Honor Credit Union, MonaCo Cleaning Services and StayDowagiac.com.

Below is a list of the concert lineup with information about each act. All is subject to change. Check dowagiacmusic.com and/or Facebook event pages for information. 

June 13 — DUHS Chamber Choir and Redbud Ramblers: For the first time in recent years, the series will kick off with a double bill. The Dowagiac Union High School Chamber Choir will start the show with a Pop in The Park set, leading into the Redbud Ramblers. 

“We’re so excited to incorporate the high school students, under the leadership of Choir Director Hunter Schuur, and Redbud Ramblers will be a fantastic new addition to the series with their ‘Michigan-fried bluegrass,’” Burns said.

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/404952215719195
• DUHS Chamber Choir: https://www.facebook.com/duschoirs 
• Redbud Ramblers: https://www.facebook.com/RedbudRamblers 
• Food: OAK+ASH, Tienda y Taqueria Del Rey, and Chelito’s Mini-Donuts will be serving food on-site.

June 20 — Out of Favor Boys: They’re returning to the series with their blues tinged with rock n’ roll. 

“Contrary to their name, historically, they’ve been very in favor with the Dowagiac audience,” Burns said.

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/447246211294088
• OoFB: https://www.facebook.com/outoffavorboy
• Food: Wood, Stock and Grill and Chelito’s Mini-Donuts

June 27 — Covington Groove: Boasting a solid funk rock rhythm section, this new-to-the-series act brings rock n’ roll with jam, funk, and soul to Dowagiac. The concert series originally planned for them to close out the 2023 series before inclement weather got in the way.

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1186194816068828 
• Covington Groove: https://www.facebook.com/covingtongroovemusic 
• Food: Diana Kitchen and Ben’s Soft Pretzels (new to the series)

July 11 — OCD/C: The park will be rockin’ with this fun and popular AC/DC cover band.

“They’ll take the crowd back to the ‘70s with exclusively Bon Scott-era AC/DC,” Burns said. “Even if you don’t know ‘T.N.T.’ from ‘It’s Gonna Be Me,’ you’re likely to have a great time.” 

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/967124198410478
• OCD/C: https://www.facebook.com/OCDCKZOO 
• Food:  Sammy Arepas and SWAT — Sweets With a Twist (new to the series)

July 18 — Caribbean Soul Experience: This band is coming in from Detroit to infuse the park with Caribbean, soul, and R&B sounds. 

“Caribbean Soul Experience was unquestionably the sleeper hit of the 2023 series,” Burns said. “There’s never been so much dancing in the park! We can’t wait for them to bring their fun and fabulous set back to Dowagiac.”

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/713796894038621 
• They don’t have a Facebook
• Food:  Nola Roux, Tienda y Taqueria Del Rey, and Kalamazoo’s girl and the GOAT (new to the series).

July 25 — Touch of Texas: Touch of Texas will once again bring their variety and classic country to Ed’s Open Header Cruise-In, which is celebrating its seventh year bringing together vintage auto enthusiasts to raise money for Cass County Cancer Service in honor of the late Ed Kazlauskas. Those wanting to be a part of the cruise-in portion can contact event organizer Curt Rohdy at (269) 782-2524 for a registration form. 

“This event is not to be missed,” Burns said. “Great music, great cars, great food, and all for a great cause.” 

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1296892337890907

• • They don’t have a Facebook

• Food: The Dowagiac Fire Department Grillmasters

August 1 — Chris Canas Band: Billing himself as “Detroit’s Prince of Blues,” Chris Canas and his band will bring Detroit blues, funk, and soul power to Dowagiac. 

“I saw Chris Canas Band play when scouting talent in Detroit, and set — especially his cover of ‘Purple Rain’ — blew me away,” Burns said. “We’re in for a treat!”

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1875391442899699
• Chris Canas: https://www.facebook.com/thechriscanas 
• Food: Diana Kitchen, Short n’ Sweet Concessions (new to the series), and Chelito’s Mini-Donuts

August 8 — Headband Henny: Another new addition to the series, Headband Henny is a rising star alternative hip-hop with a splash of R&B. 

“Headband Henny will bring a unique and beautiful style to Dowagiac Music in The Park,” Burns said. “I’ve had his music on repeat ever since I came across him, and his video for ‘Dreamcatcher’ is something special.” 

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/395911033363674

• Headband Henny: https://www.facebook.com/headbandhennyy 

• “Dreamcatcher” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-9mB_rI3fk 

• Food: Sammy Arepas, OAK+ASH, and Ben’s Soft Pretzels 

August 15 — Schlitz Creek: Another fan favorite back for more! Schlitz Creek is known for their bluegrass with a bite. 

“When our team puts together the series every year, we truly take community feedback into account,” Burns said. “While we work hard to mix up the series every year, when we ask Dowagiac who they want to have back, Schlitz Creek is always near the top of their list. Plus, I love their cover of Elton John’s ‘Honky Cat.’” 

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/417154207925045
• Schlitz Creek Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/43112733244 
• Food: Nola Roux, Wood, Stock and Grill, and Kalamazoo’s girl and the GOAT 

August 22 — Old Hank’s Son: Singer/songwriter Tom Askey performs as Old Hank’s Son, bringin rock n’ country to the series’ final 2024 show. 

“The crowd loved Old Hank’s Son in 2022, braving ominous weather to stay as long as they could before we had to shut things down for rain about 20 minutes before their set ended,” Burns said. “If the weather cooperates, this will be a great way to close out this year’s series!”

• Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1158754371966460
• Old Hank’s Son: 
• Food: Short n’ Sweet Concessions and Chelito’s Mini-Donuts