SUMMER CONCERT SERIES UPDATE

TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB

We are pleased to announce plans for the safe return of live music this summer with three unique series—Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens, Tuesday Evening Music Club and the Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings, featuring musicians from the Grand Rapids Symphony and West Michigan. All dates, performances and information are subject to changed based on COVID-19 restrictions.

Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Symphony are also excited to announce a partnership for three shows during the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens. These shows include a solo Grand Rapids Symphony performance conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor, the Grand Rapids Symphony with Pink Martini and another special show to be announced. “We are very excited to bring the Grand Rapids Symphony back to Meijer Gardens for these special concerts,” said Mary Tuuk Kuras, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. “Our shared mission of promoting the arts and bringing our community together makes this partnership a wonderful fit.”

The 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens concert series is scheduled to take place in July, August and September if regulations allow. Featuring an eclectic mix of alternative, indie, blues and rock, the lineup will include The Verve Pipe, O.A.R., Kansas, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama. The complete lineup of 30 shows and ticket on-sale dates will be announced as soon as possible. “We look forward to the return of music at Meijer Gardens and are pleased to be able to continue our support of Meijer Gardens and the popular summer concert series which now includes the Grand Rapids Symphony,” said Fifth Third Bank Regional President Tom Welch. “We are delighted that two Grand Rapids treasured cultural organizations are teaming up to further the arts in our community. We are pleased to continue our support of both organizations in this new way.” Welch continued.

“Meijer Gardens is only able to present these concerts and events with the generous support of our sponsors, the Meijer family and our members,” said David Hooker, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “In addition, our dedicated and loyal volunteers play an enormous role in presenting these shows and ensuring a rewarding and meaningful experience.”

Keep an eye on our website for more information over the coming weeks.

TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB

Every summer, we proudly shine the spotlight on a select group of local and regional musicians as they take to Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage to headline our ever-popular Tuesday Evening Music Club.

From emerging singer-songwriters to touring bands across culturally diverse genres, these talented performers are hand-selected through a scouting process and from local artist submissions. Some are new to center stage and many are seasoned musicians. A fortunate few have played as the opening act for renowned artists in our Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series at Meijer Gardens.

This eclectic collection of artists spans all musical genres, from funk to jazz to R&B. From indie to surf and everything in between, there is something for everyone at the Tuesday Evening Music Club.

This year’s lineup includes Welcome Back Tuesday with Ralston Bowles & Very Special Guests (July 6), Franklin Park (July 13), Political Lizard / Molly (July 20), Via Mardot / Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish (July 27), Samuel Nalangira / The Moxie Strings (August 3), Cameron Blake / Patty PerShayla (August 10), Pajamas / Charlie Millard Band (August 17), Ralston & Friends (August 24) and Grand Rapids Ballet (August 31). Under current restrictions, capacity will be restricted to 1,000 people. If rules allow, capacity will be increased. More information will be coming soon.

Always free to members and included in general admission for other guests, Tuesday Evening Music Club concerts make for the perfect date night or family outing. Pack a picnic basket or let us serve you dinner at the James & Shirley Balk Café or from the Eileen DeVries Concessions Center. Chairs of all heights and blankets are welcomed on Tuesday nights. Take your time to wander the Sculpture Park. We’re open until 9 pm every Tuesday.

We hope to see you for a Tuesday of music and memories under the summer evening sky.

JIM & MARIE PRESTON SUNDAY STRINGS

Musicians from the Grand Rapids Symphony and West Michigan will gather at Meijer Gardens this summer to present the Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings live classical chamber music concert series.

Throughout the fall, winter and spring, the Grand Rapids community supports live classical chamber music by attending recitals in several premier venues. There was no such programming for the summer months in Grand Rapids until Meijer Gardens presented the first season of Sunday Strings last year. This performance series was specifically designed to fill the summer gap and work with an already established fanbase. The attendance and enthusiasm from the audience, even during the pandemic last summer, proved that there was a desire for chamber music during the typical off-season.

Jim and Marie Preston asked to become involved in this effort and generously offered their support. “Marie and I are just delighted to sponsor this series. We are long-time supporters of the arts in Grand Rapids and this series really speaks to us.”

Mark your calendar for this five-performance series, which run from 2–3 pm, and enjoy the sights and sounds it offers. A few performers to look forward to this year from left to right: Haijin Choi, Brian Oberlin, Barb Corbato, Paul Austin and Andrew Plaisier.

CURRENT LINE UP

JUNE 6: The Three with violin, viola and cello. A string trio concert with music by Bach, Dohnányi, Sibelius and Kodály.

JUNE 27: Celebration of Diversity with two violins, viola and cello. A string quartet concert celebrating music and composers with diverse backgrounds. Music including American by Dvorak, Valencia by Shaw (living American female composer), Lyrics by Walker (Pultzer Prize-winning African American composer) and Wood Works by Danish String Quartet. AUGUST 29: Scenes from the Street with clarinet, bassoon, French horn, cello, double bass and violin. Musical storytelling of scenes from the streets. Music by Bach, Strauss, Nielson and more—Armenian folk music, duets influenced by jazz and wild imagination!

SEPTEMBER 12: Marimba!!! with marimba and violin. Presenting music for marimba from all around the world. Music by Bach, David P. Jones and more.

JULY 18: Dancing Around the World with mandolin and violin. A concert featuring nationally known mandolin performer Brian Oberlin from Rockford, MI. Music from classical Italian mandolin pieces to Inland Sea portraying the Great Lakes to Oberlin's compositions. This Sunday’s performance will include a special opportunity for audience participation within the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. More information will be announced closer to the date, keep an eye on our website for more information.