Presented by St. John Hospital & Medical Center
GROSSE POINTE, Mich., May 11, 2017 – Recognized as “Grosse Pointe’s original summer music series,” Music on the Plaza opens its 30th concert season on Thursday, June 8 with a spectacular double header program that features concert performances by the Grosse Pointe North High School jazz band and the Grosse Pointe South High School jazz band.
The Music on the Plaza concert series is produced by the Grosse Pointe Village Downtown Development Authority and sponsored by St. John Hospital & Medical Center with support from individuals and organizations of the community.
Concerts take place on Thursday evenings from June 8-August 3 on an outdoor stage, located at the corner of Kercheval Avenue and St. Clair Avenue, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be no concert on July 27 in order to accommodate The Village Sidewalk Sale, which takes place Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
Music on the Plaza concerts celebrate many of the best loved artists in metropolitan Detroit’s music community and highlights musicians from the region. This season incorporates a variety of musical styles from jazz to country and blues. Grosse Pointe resident Devin Scillian and his band Arizona Son make their Music on the Plaza debut thanks to sponsorship from Ray Laethem.
For nearly three decades, the corner of St. Clair and Kercheval avenues has become Grosse Pointe’s meet-up spot on Thursday evenings during summer. Highlighting the special sense of a “walkable community,” residents of all ages come to The Village on foot, riding bikes, and pushing strollers. The evening concerts make a great time to catch up with old friends and to establish new friendships as Grosse Pointers dine in Village restaurants before and after the concerts.
The Music on the Plaza series of eight family friendly concerts are free of charge and open to the public. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The performances take place, rain or shine. In the event of rain, the concerts will be held at Maire Elementary School, 740 Cadieux Road, two blocks west from the normal site. Venue changes due to weather and other notifications will be posted online via Facebook, www.facebook.com/thevillagegrossepointe, on the evening of the concert.
Scheduled bands and performance dates are as follows:
- June 8 – GP North Jazz Band & GP South Jazz Band
Award-winning jazz bands made up of students from Grosse Pointe North and South High Schools.
Sponsored by Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
- June 15 – Rhythm Society Orchestra
Grosse Pointe Farm’s own Paul King croons with the swinging 15 piece big band, Rhythm Society Orchestra, authentically re-creating the sights and sounds of the swing era.
- June 22 – Alvin Waddles & Friends
A true “Detroit Original,” the pianist leads an iconic trio celebrating the music from the first half of the 20th century.
- June 29 – Devin Scillian with Arizona Son
An accomplished musician, songwriter and WDIV Channel 4 News Anchorman, Devin Scillian has released four albums of original songs. Sponsored by Ray Laethem
- July 6 – The Millionaires
Swing, Jump Blues and Latin Jazz from long-time area favorites.
- July 13 – Scott Gwinnell Group
Scott Gwinnell is a multi-award winning jazz pianist/composer who leads an ensemble comprised of some of the top jazz musicians in Detroit.
- July 20 – Marge’s Bar Band
Now in its 48th year, the six-piece ensemble delivers vintage jazz & swing pioneered by Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Bessie Smith and the greats.
- Aug 3 – The Sun Messengers
It wouldn’t be summer without Grosse Pointe’s favorite dance band, a perfect cap to the series.
Note in Schedule: There is no concert July 27, the week of The Village Sidewalk Sale.
Produced by the Grosse Pointe Village Downtown Development Authority, the Music on the Plaza jazz concert series is made possible through corporate and community support.
St. John Hospital & Medical Center returns as the official title sponsor. In addition, sponsors and supporters include Jazz Lovers: Ray Laethem, State Farm Insurance, Adlhoch & Associates/Flagstar. Jazz Master: Sunrise Senior Living, Stifel. Partner Sponsor: Grosse Pointe Geek, Wayne County Community College District . Presenting Artist: Devin Scillian and Arizona Son- Ray Laethem, GP North & South High School Jazz Bands Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe. Series Sponsor: TCBY and Sanders. Series Supporters: Bikes, Blades and Boards, Massage Green and Old Pony Martini Bar. Providing promotional support are media sponsors, Grosse Pointe News, Grosse Pointe Times, Pointe Magazine, and WRCJ 90.9 FM.
Additional information about the series and The Village, downtown Grosse Pointe, is available at www.thevillagegp.com.
# # #