As the Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series prepares to launch its 2016 season, the Dowagiac Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is pleased to announce Huntington Bank for the ninth consecutive year has agreed to underwrite the popular $5,000 fine arts program that opens Thursday, June 2.

Debbie Knapp, marketing specialist in Grand Rapids for Huntington Bank, and Cindy Rolback, branch manager of the Dowagiac office, joined Vickie Phillipson, DDA program director, in making the joint announcement.

“Huntington’s willingness to underwrite the $5,000 concert series is a wonderful blessing for our community, especially in these uncertain times, when funding for the arts is limited,” Phillipson said.

“This year’s performance schedule includes several new and exciting artists we’re pleased to bring to Dowagiac,” Phillipson said. “In addition to the return of Jared Knox, who has opened for such Country greats as Lorrie Morgan and Chris Cagle, Michigan Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member The Sixth Generation will be joining us, along with the Erica Sherry Band. Erica Sherry is a wonderful up and coming Country artist, who is sure to push her way to the top of the music totem pole.”

The Thursday evening concerts, featuring lawn-chair seating, begin at 7:30 p.m. The Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) Brass Band opens the series June 2.

Entertainment this season, which ranges from the Big Band sound to Bluegrass, Folk and pop music of the 70s and 80s, also features: Mike Struwin, June 9; Gator Boys, June 16; Erika Sherry, June 23; Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, June 30; Chameleon, July 7; Tony Fields, July 14; Jared Knox, July 21; Sixth Generation, July 28; Schlitz Creek, Aug. 4; and A Touch of Country, Aug. 11.