ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — There is no question that summer is here when the free Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts and Friday Night Concert Series return to St. Joseph.

Both series kick off June 22 and 24 in the beach town that showcases regional musicians in one of the most scenic venues along Lake Michigan’s shore.

Performers play in the John E.N. Howard Bandshell on Port Street that offers concertgoers a beautiful vista of the St. Joseph River, Lake Michigan and the Victorian-era downtown St. Joseph.

“The bandshell has both bench and lawn seating, so it’s an awesome place for all ages to experience the joy of listening to live music,” said event organizer Whitney Behnke, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “You’ll come away from every concert in a great mood.”

The Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts, sponsored by St. Joseph’s Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, offer lunchtime entertainment noon to 1 p.m. each week from June 22 to Aug. 31 Behnke said concertgoers can bring in brown bag lunches, get take out food from a variety of restaurants in the adjacent downtown or ask the sponsor to deliver to the band shell.

“The concerts are within walking distance of beaches, shopping and more family entertainment,” Behnke said “They’re the perfect interlude to your work or vacation day. Plus, with the bustling downtown just steps away, additional opportunities for dining, shopping and exploring are easily accessible.”

St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about the horse-draw trolley or upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday, the Welcome Center at 301 State St., or call (269) 985-1111.

 

This year’s lineup includes:

June 22: Ruth and Max Bloomquist (folk, country, bluegrass)

June 29: Jeff Brown (acoustic classics)

July 6: Blue Water Ramblers (Great Lakes folk)

July 13: Marty Miles (folk/rock)

July 20: The Backsliders (acoustic classic rock)

July 27:  Deep Fried Pickle Project (kid-friendly tunes)

Aug. 3: Leonardo (kid-friendly tunes)

Aug. 10: Keith Scott (blues)

Aug. 17: Matt Gabriel (oldies, rock and pop)

Aug. 24:  Jack Adams & The Breakers (oldies, rock and pop)

Aug. 31: Richard Schwartz (classics you love)

 

The Friday Night Concert Series is presented by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, 7:30 p.m., June 24 to Sept. 2. Each performance will start the weekend unwind with a refreshing music style:

 

June 24: The Moonlighters (big band)

July 1: Don Savoie Band (blues and blues oriented rock)

July 15: The Snyders (blues)

July 22: Guitar-Banjo Band (bluegrass)

July 29: Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (jazz big band)

Aug. 5: Past Time (50’s/60’s Classic Rock)

Aug. 12: Blue Shoes (big band jazz)

Aug. 19: Jenna & Rolf (jazz to pop; Americana)

Aug. 26: Frederic & Ronza (R&B, soul and pop)

Sept. 2: The Sixth Generation (‘60s music at its best)