Sounds of Summer expands to include July and August

By Adam Brown
WKTV Contributor

Sounds of Summer will expand its offerings, providing music in July at Cutler Park and in August at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park. (Courtesy, Patty Williams)

With increased attendance, this summer the Sounds of Summer will be expanding and returning to where it all started.

The free community concert series, sponsored by Byron Township and presented by P. Williams Productions and LW Studios, will expand into August from its traditional July schedule. All the July performances will be at Cutler Park, in Cutlerville, with the August performances at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, which is where the series started in 2008.

Patty Williams, from P. Williams Production, said the expansion is a result of the event being hit with the public. The 2022 series drew more than 2,000 visitors to listen to a wide variety of bands.

“They know how to put on a very entertaining show,” Williams added, speaking of the bands performing and the production team behind them.

What music will I hear at Sounds of Summer?

Every Thursday at 7 p.m., listeners can gather in Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW, in July and Bicentennial Park in August to enjoy a night of music, games, and refreshments. Aiming to be inclusive for all crowds, the series features trivia games, CD giveaways, and catering by local vendors in addition to the bands.

The 2023 Series opens on July 6 at Cutler Park with a wide array of musical talent. This year’s Cutler Park lineup includes:

The Soul Syndicate will perform July 27 at Cutler Park. (Supplied by the band)

July 6: Azz Izz Band – With decades of experience, this group takes on blues, country, soul, and rock hits.

July 13: That Beatles Thing – A local cover band transports you back in time to hear the hits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

July 20: Ryan Curtis Band – This Michigan-born, Idaho-based artist covers anything from folk to bluegrass to rock to blues through personal stories and life lessons.

July 27: The Soul Syndicate – This party band tributes iconic funk, soul, and R&B artists with electric, high-energy performances.

The August series at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, 8085 Byron Center Ave. SW, includes:

Aug. 3: Great Scott! – This Grand Rapids-based party band has something for everyone, playing hits from the fifties through today.

Aug. 10: Carson Peters and Iron Mountain – Traveling all the way from East Tennessee, this award-winning bluegrass group has played at the Grand Ole Opry and around the world.

Aug. 17: The Soul Syndicate – A familiar group in Grand Rapids, the band performs funk, soul and R&B.

What Else is a Part of Sounds of Summer?

Sounds of Summer aims to provide a rewarding recreational experience in addition to the concerts, Williams said.

Cutler Park features a playground to keep the younger crowd entertained, as well as a walking path for exercise or dancing along to the music. The only things listeners need to bring are blankets, lawn chairs, and a listening ear. Hungry? Pick up a hot dog from the cart operated by Juicy Wieners. If Juicy Wieners aren’t your style, pork sandwiches also will be provided at this year’s event.

More information

P. Williams Productions tapes each concert, which are rebroadcasted on WKTV throughout the summer. This year’s series incorporates a new and expanded sound system.

Visit the Sounds of Summer Facebook page for updates, weather information, and more.