Tag Archives: Kentwood Summer Concert Series

Kentwood Farmers Market to include Back to School Bash and final concert of summer series: Sarena Rae Band

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By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

greer@wktv.org



Summer is coming to an end and the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with its partners for a final summer bash.

This Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kentwood Parks and Rec is hosting a Back to School Bash in conjunction with the final Kentwood Farmers Market of the season located at 4900 Breton SE.

The event also includes the final concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series featuring the Sarena Rae Band.



Sarena Rae Band. (Courtesy, Sarena Rae)



The Back to School Bash includes plenty of activities for students of all grades: a Foam Party, a Bounce House and a petting zoo, along with a number of other games and activities.

There also will be free haircuts and braids provided, free hygiene kits and school supply giveaways. Also, community resource organizations will be on hand, including MSUE (Michigan State University Extension), Catherine’s Health Center, Treetops Collective, Soccer Buddies, the Kent Country Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and more.


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


The Sarena Rae Band is the highlight of the evening with a 7 p.m. starting time. The band was originally scheduled to perform Aug. 15 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series, but inclement weather postponed it to this Thursday.

“I’m so excited about the concert and performing for the students and their families” Rae said. “I was originally supposed to perform two weeks ago, but the concert was postponed due to the inclement weather. It’s actually a blessing in disguise because I am so excited to play for the Back to School Bash and perform for all the families and kids in Kentwood.”

Rae grew up in Grand Rapids and began to develop an interest in music at an early age.

“My mother sang in the church choir and I would tag along with her,” Rae said. “I actually had my first solo at the church when I was five-years old. I knew then that I wanted to be a performer. I’ve always had a love of music. We always had Motown on in our house, and when I was growing up, I always wanted to be a little Diana Ross.”



(Courtesy, Sarena Rae)



Since then, Rae has grown her musical career. She released her original debut single and music video, “You’re Beautiful,” at age 16. In 2019, she recorded her original EP entitled, “Heaven,” and released her EP in the fall of 2020. Last December, Rae released a new Christmas Album.

The Sarena Rae Band has been busy this summer with concerts across the West Michigan area. Rae and her band bring a soulful evening of original music and a variety of well-known songs that concert goers can sing and dance along to. The Sarena Rae Band also recently released a new original song, “Feel So Fine,” on July 26.

“I would say that my style is a mix of pop and R&B,” Rae said. “It is very Motown-inspired for sure. We are going to be playing my original music and some covers that the kids and their families can dance to. The concert will be a good time for everyone.” 

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and take in the concert on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The final Kentwood Farmer’s Market of the season also promises to have a bumper crop of fruits, vegetables and more as the summer harvest is at its peak. Among the vendors that are scheduled to be at the Kentwood Farmer’s Market are Better Place Farm, Big Mitten Coffee, Crème Delights, Daily Indulgence, Golden Tumeric Paste, Grand Rapids Tea Company, Handbreadth Homestead LLC, Irie Kitchen, Latchaw Farms, Loaves and More by Alice, Mandoo (Korean Dumpling), Shalini Farms, Simply Rustic Dough, Sister Bees, Sophrona Teas, Sulugu Shea Butter LLC, Tenneyberry and That Sweet & Nutty Guy.

Food trucks also will be present to satisfy your hunger. Food trucks scheduled to be in attendance include Patty Matters, Tast of Toya’s World, El Jalapeno and Sugary Snowballs. 

Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations to perform Thursday

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(Courtesy, Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations)



By Cris Greer

greer@wktv.org



Be sure to check out Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 7 p.m. Thursday performing R&B, pop, funk, Top 40 hits, soul and classics as part of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series on the lawn behind City Hall.

The concert runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature the following food trucks: El Global Mobile, Lazy Man BBQ, Furniture City Creamery and Dune Buggy.

The Farmers Market will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday as well. It runs every Thursday from June 6 through Aug. 29 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE and on-street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 

Concertgoers are also welcome to bring their own beer or wine to the show. Concerts will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home at www.facebook.com/WKTV.org/

For additional information about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series Kick Off on June 6

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By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2024 season on June 6.

The Farmers Market will run 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 6 through Aug. 29 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.

“We’re looking forward to offering more farm fresh goods and great music for our community to enjoy outside City Hall all summer long,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to shop for local produce and homemade goods or want a fun night out with friends and loved ones discovering a new band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series offer the perfect summer experience.”



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. The market’s season sponsors are JCI South Kent and Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan, and the market’s artisan sponsor is Metronet.


In addition, community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring ten local music groups every Thursday June 6-Aug. 15, skipping July 4 for the annual Kentwood fourth of July Celebration. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.



Brena concert in 2022. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Diamond sponsors of the concert series include NN Autocam, Inc, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.

Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 6: Opening day and 10th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. The Summer Concert Series kicks off with Nathan Walton and the Remedy concert at 7 p.m., playing original soul-rock. Food trucks include PizzaMI, Kool Breze, El Jalapeno and Lazy Man BBQ.
  • June 13:  The Chris Canas Band concert at 7 p.m., performing the blues with food trucks Silver Star Café “Airbourne Burritos,” Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids and Patty Matters.
  • June 20: Grupo Viento concert at 7 p.m., featuring Tejano music. Food trucks include Taste of Toya’s World, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Boujee Bowls and The Falafel Truck.
  • June 27: Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional bike vendors plus a group bike ride. The Summer Concert Series will feature  Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 7 p.m., performing R&B, pop, funk, Top 40 hits, soul and classics. Food trucks include El Global Mobile, Lazy Man BBQ, Furniture City Creamery and Dune Buggy.
  • July 4: No Farmers Market or Summer Concert on July 4, but a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, 5k run, carnival, live music, beer tent and fireworks. Details online at kentwood.us/July4
  • July 11:  Roosevelt Diggs concert at 7 p.m., featuring blend of folk, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock-n-roll. Food trucks include Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kool Breze, Luna Bella’s LLC and Sweet Racks and Smokin Butts BBQ.
  • July 18:  TYPO concert at 7 p.m., playing rock, country, pop and urban favorites. Food trucks include Silver Star Café “Airborne Melts,” PizzaMI, Patty Matters and Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids.
  • July 25:  The Soul Syndicate concert at 7 p.m., performing R&B, funk, soul and Motown medleys. Food trucks include Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, The Falafel Truck, Dune Buggy and PJW Creole Cuisine.
  • Aug. 1:  The Bootstrap Boys concert at 7 p.m., playing a fresh take on classic country. Food trucks include Street Frites, Kool Breze, Boujee Bowls and Casa de los Abuelos.
  • Aug. 8: National Farmers Market Week and Watermelon Mania at the Kentwood Farmers Market.  MexiCuba concert at 7 p.m., featuring mix of Salsa, merengue, bachata and Cuban traditional music. Food trucks include Skinny Kenny’s BBQ, El Jalapeno, Taste of Toya’s World and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack
  • Aug. 15:  The Sarena Rae Band concert at 7 p.m., performing soulful original music plus a variety of covers. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Los Pinches Tacos, Kool Breze and Sanse Filipino Cuisine.
  • Aug. 22: Dog Days of Summer at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional vendors and services for your furry friends. Food trucks Patty Matters and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack will be there.
  • Aug. 19: Back to School Bash at the Kentwood Farmers Market with food trucks Taste of Toya’s World and El Jalapeno.

All concerts will be live-streamed by WKTV Community Media.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE and on-street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

For additional information about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Learn more by watching this video clip: WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series kick off on June 15

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(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.

The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:

  • June 15
  • June 22
  • June 29
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27
  • Aug. 3
  • Aug. 10



Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.

Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
  • June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
  • June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
  • July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
  • July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
  • July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
  • July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
  • Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
  • Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
  • Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
  • Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
  • Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
  • Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A  detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.

Additional information about the Kentwood Farmers Market can be found at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com. To learn more about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

No mere chance, The Accidentals very busy return to road continues with Kentwood summer concert

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The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Accidentals, talking to WKTV early this year, said they could not wait to leave their pandemic quiet places in their hometown of Traverse City and get back on the road — but they were productive in their time off.

“We found things that work for us and found things that didn’t work for us,” Savannah “Sav” Buist — who along with Katie Larson and Michael Dause make up The Accidentals — said to WKTV in May. “But I think it was just nice to have the time … We toured so consistently that when we come home Katie and I just tend to spit out songs within a week and then not really look back. It was nice to look back … I learned to take my time, to come back to a song.”

Back on the road with their usual hectic pace of concerts across Michigan and the region, the band will be making a stop Thursday, Aug. 5, at the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concerts free series hitting the stage at 7 p.m.

And songs familiar and new will be on the set list.

The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)

“Might As Well Be Gold” is one of the new songs, included on the “TIME OUT (Session 1), which was released May 7. The EP is a collection of songs which includes the single “Wildfire”, co-written by Kim Richey  — who has worked with the likes ofTrisha Yearwood, Radney Foster, Brooks & Dunn — and which is getting The Accidentals a fair amount of national notice and airplay.

For more information on The Accidentals, visit theaccidentalsmusic.com. For a WKTV video interview of the band, with a special live version of “Might As Well Be Gold”, visit WKTVvideos on YouTube.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has one more Thursday night date, a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

While most of the series of concerts have been livestreamed by WKTV, contractual restrictions by the band’s record label will prevent The Accidentals from being shown live or on-demand.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Benzing Graves Collective brings ‘swingin’ good times’ to Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Benzing Graves Collective will be bringing their West Michigan bred country sounds to Kentwood. (Benzing Graves Collective)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Benzing Graves Collective — aka “BGC” — may be led in music and name by Austin Benzing and Hannah Rose Graves, but with Jeremiah Wenger, Luke Lenhart and Max Griffith added to the “collective”, the band’s stop in Kentwood this week is sure to offer the audience “old-school country steeped in swingin’ good times,” so they say their facebook page.

The West Michigan group of musicians and songwriters hail from different parts of Michigan, were raised on different styles of music, but blend all of the best genres to create their own completely unique sound.

For more information on the Benzing Graves Collective, visit the band’s Facebook page.

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites Dalmatian Stone on July 22, David Gerald on July 29, The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Bootstrap Boys brings ol’ country music with modern bite to Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Bootstrap Boys will be pulling up to Kentwood this week. (Supplied/Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The best way to describe The Bootstrap Boys — this week’s offering as part of the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts, on Thursday, July 8, at 7 p.m. — is  probably to get out of the way and let them do the talkin’.

“This is country music, just like we know how to make it,” the band says on its website. “It comes from days of hard work, nights in the honky-tonk, and mornings in the church. The songs have a distinct flavor of the workin’ man, folks with dirt on their hands, good times, bad times, drinkin’, druggin’, lovin’, livin’ on the road, and what a friend we have in Jesus.”

‘Nuf said. (But if you need more, check out their website at thebootstrapboys.com.)

And just in case you want another opinion:

“The Bootstrap Boys are singlehandedly reviving country music in West Michigan both in attitude as well as song,” Luke Sass, promotional manager for Founders Brewing Company, says on the band’s website. “The band’s ability to tell stories indicative of a life lived on the razor’s edge is only eclipsed by the ease with which they connect to their audiences.”

The Kentwood Summer Concert Series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 19, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald. (The Soul Syndicate night has been rescheduled for Aug. 19.)

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. The concerts will also be available on WKTV cable channels the following Tuesday at 9 p.m., and the next weekend on Saturday at 12:30 and 7 p.m. See the WKTV On-air Schedule for details.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Soul Syndicate’s sweet ’n’ hot sounds opens City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week

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The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood Summer Concert Series this week. Can you say “Party time!” (Supplied by the band)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Classic soul, R&B and a little ‘funk” for your summer evening will be provided by The Soul Syndicate this week as the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts return for a summer run beginning Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

The summer series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 5, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. (Click on the Live Streams link in the upper right of the page.)

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Responding to community interest, Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returned for summer of food, fun (and music!)

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Kentwood Farmers Market manager Kristina Colby on opening day 2021. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.

“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”

The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.

In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.

“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series set to return to city complex in late June

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The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will host The Bootstrap Boys’ harmony-rich country on July 8. (Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights beginning June 24, the city officially announced last week.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

This year’s lineup West Michigan’s own The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective and The Soul Syndicate, as well as other Michigan bands.

“We’re pleased to be able offer another fantastic lineup of bands for community members to enjoy live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome concertgoers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us on the lawn behind City Hall.”

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.

The schedule, with links to the band’s FaceBook page, is as follows:

June 24 — The Soul Syndicate: Award-winning classic soul, R&B and funk.

July 8 — The Bootstrap Boys: Harmony-rich country.

David Gerald’s blues and R&B will be prefect for a summer night in July. (David Gerald)

July 15 — Benzing Graves Collective: Blend of old-school country and other genres.

July 22 — Dalmatian Stone: Soul/funk-rock with elements of R&B and fusion.

 

July 29 — David Gerald: Blues, R&B and rock. 

Aug. 5 — The Accidentals: Mix of indie rock, pop and orchestral arrangements. (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule. Starting June 3, the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

Blue Soul Express: boogie party next up at Kentwood summer concert series

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Blue Soul Express. (Supplied/The Band)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

You got to love a blues/soul band whose lead singer has the nickname of ‘Sookie” and hits the stage with a self-described “rock solid rhythm section.”

And anybody who has heard and seen Blue Soul Express, — stopping by the Kentwood Summer Concert series Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m. — knows there is a lot to love here.

Blue Soul Express, based out of Grand Rapids, “will take you on a journey through classic soul, R&B, funk and blues,” the band says on their Facebook page. Oh, and remember to “Bring your dancing shoes!”

The band is led by vocalist of Brenda “Sookie” Harris, guitarist Darryl Matthews, Mike Phelps on keyboards and vocals, and “a rock solid rhythm section” of bassist Mark Hicks and drummer Mark Jilbert.

WKTV will not be covering this concert due to a scheduling conflict but will be covering the remainder of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the complete WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).

For more information on Blue Soul Express, visit here.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.

The series runs on select Thursday nights through August.

The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:

July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.

July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.

Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.

Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/parks.

That Beatles Thing: Fab 4 fun opens Kentwood summer concert series

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects
That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Beatles’ classics, played by four local guys who “love these songs,” will be featured as That Beatles Thing take the stage to open to the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series of free concerts on Thursday, June 20.

“Most like the Beatles; some have That Beatles Thing,” the band says of themselves. “That Beatles Thing plays the music of the Beatles. … Faithfully reproducing 150 songs from the Beatles catalog.”

WKTV will be covering the concert, and almost all of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the complete WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).

That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)

According to the band’s website, “James Murphy started the band a couple of years ago. What it has evolved to now is really just about 4 guys who love these songs. We’re all passionate about the songs of the Fab 4, we’ve got ‘That Beatles Thing’.”

The band is Murphy singing most of the songs and playing guitar, Bill Van Ess singing and playing bass, Pete Bardolph singing and playing lead guitar and Fritz von Valtier singing, playing drums, and “shaking things.”

Cruising their website, there are several videos of the band at play, including a version of one of my favorite Beatles songs — “Nowhere Man” — from the River City Saloon in 2016.

For more information on That Beatles Thing, visit here.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.

The series runs on select Thursday nights through August.

The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:

June 27 — Blue Soul Express, delivering classic soul, R&B, funk and blues. If this is not perfect for a summer boogie party, nothing is. For more information visit here. (Note: due to a scheduling conflict, WKTV will not cover this concert.)

July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.

July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.

Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.

Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/parks.

Kentwood concerts kick off June 14 with Adams Family, run through Aug. 2

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org 

 

Maybe the best known of the headliners at this summer’s City of Kentwood Summer Concert series are West Michigan favorites The Crane Wives, May Erlewine and The Moxie Strings.

 

But, starting with The Adams Family coming to town next week, there is not a sour note in a series that will feature an eclectic mix of indie, folk, country, blues and rock music.

 

The Summer Concert Series offers free concerts and family entertainment on select Thursday nights from June to August. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Road SE.

 

In addition to a variety of music, the concerts offer a variety of food trucks at each concert offering food and beverages for purchase. Concert-goers are also encouraged to bring a blanket or their chair, and are welcome to bring their own beer or wine.

 

“One of the best ways to embrace the warm weather with family and friends is to relax and unwind with live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We are thrilled with our lineup for this year’s summer concert series, and welcome concert-goers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us.”

 

Opening the series, The Adams Family play a blend of folk, doo-wop and classic rock by members Jerry Adams, Brian Adams, Cindy Adams Kropf and Dale Kropf. The band is out of Lowell and describe themselves as an “acoustic folkin’ rock” band.

 

“When you hear the intricate vocal blend that only close relatives can create, there’s no mistaking that The Adams Family really is a family,” a statement on the band’s website reads. “The band features three lead vocalists: Cindy Adams Kropf, her brother Jerry Adams, and Jerry’s son Brian Adams. Rounding out the group is Cindy’s husband, Dale Kropf, on bass and background vocals.”

 

For more information on The Adams Family, visit their website here.

 

After The Adams Family on June 14, there rest of the series will feature May Erlewine on June 21, Big Dudee Roo on July 12, The Moxie Strings on July 19, The Crane Wives on July 26, and Blue Soul Express to close out the series on Aug. 2.

 

For more information on the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series, visit here.

These concerts are cable rebroadcast on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99, usually on the following Tuesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (or following the rebroadcast of a City of Wyoming summer concert. See WKTVjournal.org for complete feature broadcast schedules.

 

Don’t miss Kentwood Summer Concert Series!

Local Entertainment
Boogie Woogie Babiescolleen_piersonThe nice weather is finally here!   What could be better than sitting in a lawn chair while listening to popular music.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series sponsored by DTE Energy will be held at the Kentwood Library Amphitheatre on five Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. this summer as follows; June 18th- Jetty Rae
June 25th- Boogie Woogie Babies
July 16th- The Williams Family
August 13th- Kari Lynch Band
August 20th- Dutch Henry