The intense heat dented turnout for two popular concert sets on Tuesday, but those who flocked to Rockford and Meijer Gardens were treated to sizzling performances. Photos, videos.
The Stage at Rockford: Paul Nelson Band on stage Tuesday. (Photo/local tours)
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West Michigan Music Scene
While Tuesday’s brutal heat wave kept some people from reveling in some of the region’s most popular outdoor concert series, it certainly didn’t dampen the excitement or the heat generated by the musicians on stage. .
At the opening salvo of the United Bank Rogue River Blues Series at Rockford’s Garden Park, famed guitarist Paul Nelson and his band delivered sizzling blues-rock riffs and solos to an audience that was perhaps half the usual size due to a heat rating above 100 degrees, but that didn’t stop some fans and lots of kids from dancing on the beautiful new dance floor in front of the stage.
Seth Bernard (Photo/Local Tours)
Twelve miles south, the situation was much the same with Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Kaitlin Rose and her band of thorns and Northern Michigan guitarist-vocalist Seth Bernard with his all-star band bringing musical fire and lots of sweat on the sprawling stage at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park for the second Tuesday night music club concert of the season.
The smaller than usual group of fans even stayed to give Bernard and his team a rousing standing ovation at the end of the night.
Scroll down for photos and video highlights.
Several free outdoor concerts continue in various communities this week, including tonight (Wednesday) with Flat River Big Band for concerts at Rogers Park in Sparta and Thursday with Mongion for the Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series at Lowell and The Max Lockwood Group in Kentwood. See the full schedule of shows in Local Spins’ 2022 Guide to Free Outdoor Community Concerts.
Next appointment for the Rogue River Blues series on June 21: Jake Kershaw. Next appointment for the Meijer Gardens Tuesday evening music club on June 21: Molly.
PHOTO GALLERY: Paul Nelson Band, Seth Bernard & Band (06/14/22)
