The 2022 Algonac Clay Music in the Parks series will include a variety of musical guests for people to look forward to, as well as the return of Art in the Parks.
The concerts will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday beginning June 2 and ending Aug. 11. The June 2 to July 7 dates will take place at Algonac Riverfront Park, and the July 14 to Aug. 11 dates will take place at Clay Township Park.
“This year’s lineup includes some community favorites and some new entertainment,” Clay Township Recreation Coordinator Cindy Babisz said. “Dude and the Abiders and Dogfish are local favorites. Taylor Tucky is a new country band. Detroit Social Club played in Clay Township last year and was well received. Meldrum Brothers are featuring a new guitarist that provides some new tunes and genre of music.”
“Another fan favorite, The Gobies, opens the Clay dates,” she continued. “Detroit Blues Band featuring Jimmy McCarty is a well-known artist that has quite a following. Ten Beach Drive features tropical rock; Lisa Mary is new artist that has played at Grand Ole Opry. Los Gringos will be the grand finale with their high-energy show.”
The Art in the Park feature will continue this year. Artist Deborah Jo Green will provide easy art projects to kids of all ages during the Music in the Park performances. All supplies will be provided courtesy of contributions from local sponsor Algonac Rotary Club.
“Everyone should be able to learn a new, exciting art project,” Green said in a recent press release. “There is nothing to it but to do it.”
The current Algonac Clay Music in the Parks series has been running since 2013.
“Music in the Park started in Algonac on a cement pad in 1989, then moved to the gazebo across from Dairy Queen in the ‘90s,” Babisz said.
She said that this year’s schedule filled up early and that everything has been fast paced this year, maybe as a result of people being “cooped up.”
She noted that the concerts average about 200 attendees each week.
“Depending on the weather and the genre of music, that climbs higher,” she said. “We attract residents and tourists from Algonac State Park, (Algonac Harbour Club) and surrounding communities. I always hope to break a record with attendance.”
The title sponsor for the series is ML Chartier. The Algonac Riverfront Park stage is sponsored by Algonac Chiropractic Family Wellness Center and Amiels Enterprises Inc. and the Clay Township Park stage is sponsored by the Clay Township Downtown Development Authority.
There are also local sponsors for each performance of the series.
“It is important for everyone to remember that this series is the result of generous community sponsors,” Babisz said. “They step up each year and allow us to continue this community favorite. Thank you to all of our sponsors.”
The lineup for the Algonac Riverfront Park stage is Dude and the Abiders on June 2, Dogfish on June 9, Taylor Tucky Band on June 16, Detroit Social Club on June 23 and Meldrum Brothers on July 7.
The lineup for the Clay Township Park stage is The Gobies on July 14, Detroit Blues Band with Jimmy McCarty on July 21, Ten Beach Drive on July 28, Lisa Mary on Aug. 4 and Los Gringos on Aug. 11.
“I get excited about everyone getting out, enjoying the parks, meeting up with friends and family, etcetera,” Babisz said. “The general atmosphere is great. It is a good feeling to see everyone relaxing and enjoying the music and summer season.”
Parking and admission for the series is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The rain locations are the Algonac Fire Hall for Algonac and the Algonac High School lecture hall for Clay Township. The decision on the rain locations will be made by 5:30 p.m. prior to each performance.
For more information, contact Babisz at 810-794-9320 or cab8260@gmail.com.
