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DOWAGIAC — One of Dowagiac’s most popular events is set to take the stage once again this summer.

The Dowagiac Music in The Park summer concert series is set to return to the Dowagiac Library Event Pavilion – on the corner of New York Avenue and Main Street – at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June through mid August. The June 5 opening date will be a double bill, with the SMC Brass Band performing prior to a set from the Dowagiac Union High School Chamber Choir.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating and vendors will also be on-site and ready to serve by 6 p.m. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs until approximately 8:45-9 p.m. The music genres showcased in the concert series will range from R&B to blues, classic rock, Latin jazz, reggae, country and more. 

“Free and fun, the Music in The Park series is something that so many in the community look forward to every year,” said Dowagiac Assistant City Manager Amanda Sleigh. “The team of volunteers that put it together works hard to ask for community feedback and incorporate into the music selections, the food vendors, and every other aspect possible. I hope to see a lot of returning faces this year, as well as people who haven’t checked out the events before. They’re just great.”

The series includes returning favorites, like Schlitz Creek, Touch of Texas and Skeletones, as well as artists new to the series. These include acts like the Otsego Jazz Ensemble, Rock Rx, Hurricane Reggae Band, Skyler Vincek, Allie Garland and the Lunar Octet.

Returning vendors include fan favorites Nola Roux (Cajun), OAK+ASH (BBQ), Diana Kitchen (Soul food) and Wood, Stock and Grill (BBQ). New vendors include Curly Q’s BBQ, KT’s Rasoi, Jalapeno Grill, and King of The Kettle. The Dowagiac Fire Department Grillmasters will once again appear at the Cruise-In on July 24. The schedule will be released progressively throughout the season. For the opening night, June 5, Nola Roux, Diana’s Kitchen, and King of the Kettle will be on-site. 

This year’s sponsors include Lyons Industries, Honor Credit Union, Southwestern Michigan College, and MonaCo Cleaning Services.

“Dowagiac Music in The Park has something for everyone — a variety of music for all ages, a rotating feast of food vendors, and an opportunity to come together with other members of the community for a free and fun evening,” said Lance Lyons, President of lead sponsor Lyons Industries. “Lyons Industries is proud to once again help bring this important series back for everyone to enjoy this summer.” 

Those interested in updates as the series goes on are encouraged to visit the City of Dowagiac Facebook page or RSVP to the Facebook events that have been set up for each show.

2025 lineup

June 5 – SMC Brass Band and DUHS Chamber Choir | Community double bill

June 12 – Van Dyke Review | Tribute to The Beatles

June 19 – Skyler Vincek | Today’s Country Hits

June 26 – Otsego Jazz Ensemble | High-Powered Big Band

July 3 – Skeletones | R&B, Soul, Blues, and Motown

July 10 – Rock Rx | Your Prescription for Rock N’ Roll

July 17 – The Lunar Octet | Spicy Latin Jazz

July 24 – Touch of Texas | Variety and Classic Country at The Cruise-In

July 31 – Allie Garland | Soul, Pop, Jazz, and Requests!

August 7 – Schlitz Creek | Bluegrass With Some Bite

August 14 – Hurricane Reggae Band | Authentic and Infectious Island Grooves