I absolutely LOVE live music. Unfortunately, being on a budget and having young kids makes it nearly impossible to attend concerts. Instead of dropping $200 for nosebleed seats, I love supporting our local music scene, and summer is the perfect time to do so. Plus, free outdoor concerts are kid-friendly. What kid doesn’t like to boogie to some tunes? I find it’s the perfect opportunity to bring my shy violet {Kinley} out of her shell a bit 😀
I searched around and found some great FREE 2013 summer concerts around metro Detroit. Be sure to head out and support local music, and of course, support the local shops and restaurants while you’re there, too!
ANN ARBOR {Sonic Lunch Series}
Thursdays at Noon in Liberty Park Plaza. Partner restaurants will be on-site selling food as well.
- June 13 – Darren Criss w/Theo Katzman (at The Michigan Theater)
- June 20 – Family of the Year
- June 27 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
- July 11 – Luke Winslow-King
- July 25 – Brett Dennen w/Dan Henig
- August 1 – The Ragbirds
- August 8 – Laith Al-Saadi
- August 15 – Greensky Bluegrass
- August 22 – Kopecky Family Band w/Kate Peterson
- August 29 – George Bedard & The Kingpins
BRIGHTON {Kiwanis Gazebo Concerts}
Sundays at 7 p.m. at Mill Pond Park/Gazebo
- July 7 – The Soul Men with Paradise Band (Blues Brothers Tribute Band)
- July 14 – 6 Finger Lefty
- July 21 – The Sound Alternative Band
- July 28 – Moose & da Sharks with the Sharkettes
- August 4 – Toppermost (Beatle Tribute Band) // Livingston Sensation starting at 5 p.m.
- August 11 – Band of America’s Few, U.S. Marine Band
- August 18 – Christian Music Fest Music {starts at 6 p.m.}
- August 25 – Steve King and The Dittilies
CANTON {Backyard Beats Concert Series}
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Various locations throughout the city, as shown listed below.
- June 19 – Swing City Big Band {Royal Pointe West}
- June 26 – Bob Skon {Sunflower}
- July 3 – All Directions {FoxRun}
- July 10 – The Fun Guys {Pickwick Village}
- July 17 – Bob Skon {Lexington Square}
- July 24 – Scott Martin Band {Windsor Park}
CANTON {Color Tour Jazz Series}
Fridays, 7 p.m. Various locations as shown below.
- July 5 – The Brothers Groove {Willow Creek Shopping Center}
- July 12 – Lin Rountree {Sam’s Club}
- July 19 – Phil Denny {Centre Village at Kroger}
- July 26 – Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors {Lowe’s}
- August 2 – Tim Bowman {Home Depot}
- August 9 – Randy Scott {Super Bowl}
- August 16 – Charles & Gwen Scales {JC Penney}
- August 23 – Thornetta Davis {Home Depot}
DETROIT ZOO — ROYAL OAK {Wild Summer Nights at the Zoo}
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. OK, technically not 100% free, but free with entry to the zoo {only $6 after 6 p.m.} and free for members.
- July 3- The Sun Messengers
- July 10 – Joe Reilly and the Community Gardeners
- July 17 – The Sugarees
- July 24 – The Ragbirds
- July 31 – The Verve Pipe
- August 7 – Jill Jack
- August 14 – Julianne Ankley
- August 21 – Candy Band
- August 28 – Mr. Seley and the Troublemakers
DETROIT {Campus Martius Park}
There are several musical events in the park that are all FREE! Impossible to list them all. Visit here to view the many musical events that will be taking place this summer.
DETROIT {Java and Jazz, sponsored by Comerica Bank}
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library’s Friends Auditorium located at 5201 Woodward Ave. Remaining concerts:
- June 18 – The Mike Jellick Quartet
- July 16 – Sin Hielo
DETROIT {Rockin’ on the Riverfront}
Fridays, 7:30-10 p.m. on Riverfront Plaza
- July 12 – The Romantics
- July 19 – America
- July 26 – Grand Funk Railroad
- August 2 – Great White
- August 9 – Loverboy
- August 16 – Night Ranger
HOWELL
Fridays at 7 p.m. on the Howell Courthouse lawn
- July 5 – Metro Jazz Voices – Four Part Jazz and Pop Vocals
- July 12 – The Jill Jack Band – Rock, Pop and Folk Originals
- July 19 – The Saints of Soul – Rhythm and Blues
- July 26 – Cats and the Fiddler – Bluegrass and Pop
- August 2 – Rhythm Society Orchestra – 19 Piece Big Band
- August 9 – Air Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett Tribute
- August 16 – Emerging Soul – Rock & Soul
- August 23 – Rusty Wright Blues Band – The Best Blues in the Land
- August 30 – Lucas Hoge – Nashville Rocks Out
MILFORD
Thursdays at 7 p.m. in downtown Milford
- June 13 – Howards Glazer and The EL-34s
- June 20 – Paisley Food
- June 27 – Persuasion
- July 11 – Steve King and the Dittilies
- July 18 – Farmington Community Brass Band
- July 25 – Jill Jack Band
- August 1 – Randy Brock Group
- August 15 – Gemini
- June 14 – Rusty Wright
- June 21 – Talent For The Title & Instructor Recitals
- June 28 – Arts & Acts
- July 5 – Justine Blazer
- July 12 – Groove Therapy
- July 19 – Randy Brock Group
- July 26 – Gia Warner
- August 2 – Social Bones
- August 9 – Shawn Riley Band
- August 16 – Global Village
- August 23 – The Crutches
- August 30 – Steve King & The Dittlies
- 6 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.; 6:25 p.m.-6:45 p.m.: Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music Students
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: The Brothers Groove (Funky)
- 7:50 p.m.: Fashion Show
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Zap Toro (World)
July 18
- 6 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. & 6:25p.m. -6:45p.m.: Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music Students
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: John Holk and the Sequins (Old Country)
- 7:50 p.m.: Fashion Show
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.The Infatuations (Party)
July 25
- 6 p.m. – 6:20p.m. & 6:25p.m. -6:45p.m.: Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music Students
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Michael Mars & the God Particle (Futuristic Electronic)
- 7:50 p.m.: Noir Leather Fashion Show
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Duende (Country Rock)
August 1
- 6 p.m. – 6:20p.m. & 6:25p.m. -6:45p.m.: Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music Students
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Dave Hamilton Band(Funky Prog Rock)
- 7:50 p.m.: Fashion Show
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Twistin’ Tarantulas (Punk Rockabilly)
August 8
- 6 p.m. – 6:20p.m. & 6:25p.m. -6:45p.m.: Royal Oak High School Jazz Combo
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Bob & Iz & Jim (Singer/Songwriter/Jazz)
- 7:50 p.m.: Fashion Show
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: James Hughes/Jimmy Smith Quintet (Jazz)
August 15
- 6 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. & 6:25 p.m. -6:45 p.m.: Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music Students
- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: The Muggs (Rock)
- 7:50 p.m.: Fashion Show
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: The Reefermen (Funky Party Rock)
SOUTHFIELD {Eat to the Beat}
Thursdays, Noon – 2 p.m. at City Centre Plaza
- June 22 – Larry Lee & Back in the Day (Funk, R&B, Classic Rock & Jazz)
- June 29 – Nadir~Distorted Soul (Urban Funk)
- July 6 – The Brothers Groove (Funky Jazz & Rock)
- July 13 – GEQ (Classic Jazz & BeBop)
- July 20 – Soull Shakerr (Rock, Ballads & Psychedelic Soul)
- July 27 – Straight Ahead (Classic & Original Jazz)
- Aug. 3 – The Orbitsuns (Rockabilly)
- Aug. 10 – HotSauce (Pop, Funk & Motown)
- Aug. 17 – Motor City Street Band (New Orleans-style brass band)
- Aug. 24 – Ed Nuccilli & Plural Circle (18-piece BeBop orchestra)
- Aug. 31 – Orquesta Sensacional (Hot Latin band)
- Sept. 7 – On Que (Smooth Jazz and R&B)
- Sept. 14 – The Sun Messengers (Horn-driven R&B)
*Images used courtesy of the Milford DDA.*
I’m sure I’ve missed a ton! Where are your favorite local summer concerts series? Let me know and I’ll add them!
Tina says
Thank you for your website – I remember those days of doing everything free to entertain my daughters – so your website is most appreciated. A friend and I attend the free Friday night concerts at Kellogg Park in Plymouth – they start in May! We also attend the Friday night concerts in Farmington – Riley Park and the neat thing about going there – if the weather is bad the concert still goes on in the church across the street!!
Pergola Company Sydney says
We’re also several volunteers as well as opening up the latest scheme in the neighborhood. Your website offered united states using worthwhile information and facts to operate in. You’ve carried out a notable undertaking and also our complete party will probably be relieved for you.
gagner de l'argent sur internet says
This design is wicked! You most certainly
know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos,
I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!