By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
A rained out concert at last year’s Kentwood Summer Concert Series lead for the event to be moved inside to the KDL Kentwood Branch.
The venue switch was well received with the decision made for Kentwood to host a Winter Concert Series.
“This is the first year the City is hosting a Winter Concert Series,” said Laura Barbrick, the marketing and events coordinator for Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’. “It actually worked really well inside the Library’s Community Room, so we decided to try it out this winter.”
This year, the Winter Concert Series features three concerts, one each in January (which featured singer/songwriter Matt Gabriel), February and March. If the series goes well, Barbrick said the city could look to expand the series.
On Feb. 15, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Olivia Mainville will be performing. Mainville, from Grand Rapids, discovered music in fifth grade when she began playing viola and upright bass in orchestra. More recently she released an album, “The Saddest Thing,” which featured a guest appearance from David Bowie’s bandleader and lead guitarist, Gerry Leonard.
On March 22 another Grand Rapids-based artist, Drew Nelson, performs. Nelson is known for American and traditional folk music. Nelson has released a number of albums including “Dusty Road to Beulah Land” and “Tilt-A-Whirl.” He also has opened for Melissa Etheridge and Edwin McCain as well as folk singers like John White Jr. and John Gorka.
Each of the concerts will feature a selection of food options from a local food truck. At the Feb. 15 concert, Pizzaiolo Wood Fired Pizza will be on hand and at the March 22 concert, D & D Gluten-Free will be at the library.
All concerts are at 6:30 p.m. at in the community room of the KDL Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE.
