Plan calls for 13 bands to perform on Wednesdays this summer
By Barb Pert Templeton
The ‘Music on the River” series in Marine City is certainly something for residents to look forward to what with major infrastructure projects, budget woes and staff turnover at the city offices this summer.
“We need some positive and happy stuff here and it’s free,” Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Laura Merchant said.
Sponsored in part by the Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce, Merchant said the chamber partnered with Maritime Days to bring 13 bands to the Music on the River schedule. She said another team member, Trent Attebury, with J.A. Bachelor Realtor, worked to line up all the bands that will be performing along the St. Clair River in June, July and August.
Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Laura Mertchant.
In a recent phone interview Merchant said it’s great to be able to team up with other local supporters to bring the music series to the community and the price is certainly right. The concerts are free to the public and will be every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. downtown at Corwin M. Drake Memorial Park beginning June 3.
Similar programs in the city have been offered on a much smaller scale including a hand-full of bands over a few week period and last summer it was karaoke in the park.
When Maritime Days President Tammi Graber approached Merchant about planning a summer music series, she was eager to help out. In fact, Merchant wrote the grant application that had the Blue Water Arts Committee through the St. Clair Community Foundation awarding a $4,000 grant to bring the live entertainment to this city.
“It’s definitely been a partnership and each one of us played our own part in this,” Merchant said.
Concert goers are simply asked to bring a blanket, a chair or both to the park where the musicians will perform from the amphitheater already in place there. There will also be a smaller canopy that will be put in place.
While concessions won’t be offered directly in the park visitors are welcome to get carry outs from local restaurants to enjoy during the show. Merchant said the city’s social district, which includes Newport Pub, Gar’s, Water Street Winery and Gords, also offers to-go cocktails for adults interested in a carrying a cool beverage to the park.
Merchant is excited about the concerts and said the list of performers is impressive. The series will open on June 3 with the band, Paul and Oates.
The small amphitheater at the Corwin Drake Park, along the St. Clair River in Marine City, will host all 13 Wednesday night Music on the River concerts this summer.
“I’m thrilled and I think it’s going to be so cool,” Merchant said. “People are always asking when is music going to be in Marine City, so this is really something for the community to enjoy.”
Corwin Drake Park is located at 401 S. Water Street right across from the Mariner.
The concert series schedule is as follows:
June 3: Paul and Oates
June 10: Los Gringos
June 17: Caleb Malooley of Gasoline Gypsies
June 24: Darrin Hagel: My Tribute to Elvis
July 1: Killer Vibe
July 8: The Gobies
July 15: Third Wave
July 22: No Strings Attached
July 29: Baron the Cretin
Aug 5: Moonlit Souls
Aug 12: Brent Mireau
Aug 19: Alter Ego Acoustic
Aug 26: Closing Time
