By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
It will be the sweet sounds of jazz, pop and rock as Michael Hulett takes to the stage tonight for the City of Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park.
It will be the first concert of the season as last week’s performance, with Reverend Jesse Ray, was cancelled due to rain. That concert has been rescheduled for Aug. 15.
Hulett, who is considered one of the top solo performers in the country, is accomplished on 10 instruments including soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, oboe, flute, trumpet and even tuba. While the sounds from his instrumental renditions are rich, Hulett is also know for his voice which according to his site “reminds people of the stars from the past century of classic sounds.”
Having attended Georgia Southern University, where he studied music performance with an emphasis on jazz, Hulett also attended the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. While he does perform the classics of Louis Armstrong, he also is known for his interpretations of other performers who also served as his inspirations — Johnny Hartman, Marvin Gaye, and Billy Eckstine.
Heading to the show
Concerts in the Park starts at 6 p.m. with a pre-show and activities for all ages. Food trucks also will be on site. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
2023 Concerts of the Park schedule
June 27: Cabildo is a West Michigan-based alternative Latin rock collective that brings a unique blend of cambia, ska, folk, and other genres of music from Latin America.
July 11: Sarena Rae is a Grand Rapids based vocalist covering a variety of musical genres.
July 18: Klay N’ The Mud is a West Michigan-based cover band.
July 25: La Furia Del Ritmo will perform Latin music.
Aug. 1: The Soul Syndicate offers up classic soul, R&B and funk.
Aug. 8: Patty Pershayla & The Mayhaps features a former small-town pageant queen who has turned into a rock ’n’ roll powerhouse.
