Dowagiac Summer in the City, which opens Thursday evening with a special two-hour concert at Beckwith Park, features hometown music and dance favorites, along with one of today’s hottest country sensations from southwest Michigan.

Last year when former American Idol contender Jared Knox took the stage at Beckwith Park, it was clear this community knows how to throw a party.  Having opened for such Country greats as Lorrie Morgan, Chris Cagle and Tracy Lawrence, Jared Knox and his band return to downtown Dowagiac this Thursday as part of the Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series.

Staged in the central business district, the 31st annual festival is presented by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) who helped coordinate and raise funding for this year’s summertime bash, said she is pleased to welcome Jared Knox to Dowagiac for this special two-hour performance, underwritten by Huntington Bank.  The concert that opens at 7:30 p.m. also features Huntington Night, which pays tribute to the underwriter of the 12-week entertainment series.

“This is a performance that’s not to be missed,” Phillipson said. “Jared blends his southern roots, home-grown talent and unwavering love for Country music as he serves up a wonderful night of entertainment that will be long remembered.”

Jared has performed for such artists as Jimmy Dillon and J.C. Heartsfield.  He has also opened for Lorrie Morgan, Chris Cagle and Tracy Lawrence.  In 2006 Jared traveled to Minneapolis, where he tried out for American Idol.  Since then, he has collaborated with song writer, musician and producer Mark Moore.  In 2010 they released their first project, entitled “This.”  Two years later they released “I Would Show Her.”

Phillipson said Dowagiac’s summertime bash swings into full gear Friday and Saturday with further entertainment and dance, strolling circus acts, such action sports as BMX demos, family activities and summer sidewalk sales that also feature craftsmen and community organizations.

Festival goers can rock out to Rebel Pride, as this hometown favorite takes the stage Friday, presenting old-school to cutting-edge Rock ‘n Roll, and newer Country from 10 to 5 p.m.  On Saturday, as the festival debuts its new Summer on Tap craft brew event, Elliott Skjordal and Joel Gorenflo take the stage, playing an array of covers ranging from Pop to Alternative, Folk, Country and the Blues.

“Summer in the City is also pleased to present one of the largest talent pools this community has to offer, as the dance studios of MKSOD, Positively Dance and Miss Michele & Co. are featured,” Phillipson said. “Fifty to seventy-five students will take to the streets as two hours of dance performances get underway Saturday beginning at 10:30 at Front and Beeson streets.”

On Sunday, ACTION wraps up the festival with a Community Praise Jam, beginning at 2 p.m. at Beckwith Park, featuring music, free hot dogs and ice cream.

This year’s summertime gala was underwritten by AK Montgomery, Burling & Gillesby DDS, Chemical Bank, Clark Chapel / Starks Family Funeral Home, Creative Vinyl Signs, Down to Earth Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Kim MacGregor’s Office of Edward Jones, Family Fare, Four Winds Casino, Lyons Industries, Southwestern  Michigan College, Wightman & Associates and Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.

For a full schedule of activities, visit DowagiacChamber.com or the Chamber’s Facebook page.