By Jim Bloch
If you love live music, the place to be on Wednesday nights this summer is Marysville Park.
The Marysville Recreation Department will showcase seven concerts over seven weeks in the city’s new bandshell. Most of the shows begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. The lineup include three local acts: Blue Ice, Paul & Oates and Cliff Erickson.
Be sure to grab a snack from the Lions Club of Marysville, which will be serving in the park during each concert.
June 17-Sonic Freeway
“Sonic Freeway delivers the energy, talent and feel-good songs that make any occasion unforgettable,” says the band on its Facebook page. “Since 2014, we’ve been lighting up stage across Metro Detroit with high-energy performances and hit songs that everyone knows and loves.”
Look forward to tunes by Alanis Morrisette, Justin Timberlake, Rod Stewart, Smashmouth, the Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Blondie, Commodores, Bruno Mars, Faith Hill, Kool and the Gang, Michael Jackson, Van Morrison, Wild Cherry and more.
“There’s no party like a Sonic Freeway party!”
June 24-Blue Ice
Blue Ice is a Blue Water Area rock and blues band, which frequently features guitarist and vocalist Joe Dehenau. They are known for their energetic classic rock, R&B, and blues tunes.
July 1-The Stone Blossoms
The four-piece band is a classic rock outfit from Detroit specializing in deep-cuts ignored by other cover bands.
“We try to play all of the tunes the other bands don’t, ” says guitarist Mike Adkins on the band’s website.
Look forward to tunes by Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Allman Bros, The Band, Crosby Stills Nash, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, CCR and the Grateful Dead among others.
July 8-Shout: A Beatles Tribute
Shout bills themselves as Michigan’s number one Beatles tribute band.
“We’ve been perfecting our genuine Beatles tribute band for 25 years,” says the group on its website. “From out far-out costumes to period-correct equipment, it’s the perfect invitation to come hang loose with family, friends and some real groovy tunes.”
July 15- Paul & Oates
Paul Shonk and Kevin Ottenbacher make up the local acoustic duo Paul & Oates.
“We play a variety of classic rock, pop and country,” says the band on its Facebook page. “Break out the lawn chairs!”
July 22- Weekend Comeback
“Small band. Big Sound.”
That’s how the Metro Detroit band Weekend Comeback bills itself.
“Four lead vocalists. Live sax. Tight transitions. Confident pacing. The energy builds — and the room follows,” says the band on its website.
Expect to hear Motown and soul, including songs by Stevie Wonder, Aretha and Earth Wind & Fire), 2000s Nostalgia such as The Killers, Blink-182 and Usher), modern hits by Lizzo, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa as well as classic anthems by Journey, Queen and Bon Jovi.
July 29 – Street Angels: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band (7-10PM)
“We are a ten-member authentic magical Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac experience, delivering complex music, harmonies, power, stage presence, image and the unique vocal edge of Stevie Nicks,” says the band on rockdetroit.com. “We entertain our audiences and take them back in time to the 1970s and 1980s during Fleetwood Mac’s greatest era of musical fame.”
Aug. 5-Cliff Erikson (7:30 p.m. Start)
“Cliff Erickson is considered one of the finest acoustic performers throughout the Midwest and southwestern Ontario,” according to his website. “His musical instincts are clearly portrayed in his original work along with his amazing ability to capture the passion evoked by countless cover tunes. His soothing voice and his extraordinary talent on his signature 12-string acoustic guitar captivate his listeners as he takes them along on what has been best described as an ‘unparalleled musical excursion’.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
