DEARBORN – Free outdoor concerts have returned to the city’s business districts for the summer, as Friday Nites Music and Food Truck Rallies in downtown west Dearborn are under way.
Both the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority sponsor concert series, which have become summertime traditions.
All are family friendly. Guests are advised to take a lawn chair or blanket.
Friday Nites Music and Food Truck Rallies, are held in the parking lot behind Bryant Library, 22100 Michigan Ave. Concerts are the first and third Fridays in June, July and August. They begin at 5 p.m. and run until 9 p.m.:
The remaining 2016 schedule is:
• June 24: The Reefermen (Rock, Soul, Blues).
• July 8: Jody Raffoul (Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative).
• July 22: The Muggs (Blues Rock).
• Aug. 12: The Wrenfields (Rock, Alternative Country).
• Aug. 26: The Beat Club (Beatles Tribute).
New this year is the Beer Garden featuring a variety of craft beers for $5, as well as drop-in yoga at 4:30 p.m. for $5. (Participants provide their own mats.)
By popular demand, food truck rallies will take place during each concert, offering a variety of foods, from fancy hot dogs, pizza, chicken dishes and barbeque to gourmet dishes, Middle Eastern, vegan, Mexican-American, Italian, doughnuts and ice cream.
Downtown east Dearborn will begin its signature jazz concert series on July 13 with the first 2016 Jazz on the Ave event, sponsored by Beaumont Health.
These concerts are at City Hall Park, 13615 Michigan Ave. Concerts are 7 to 9 pm., rain or shine. The 2016 schedule is:
• July 13: Alexander Zonjic & Friends with special guest Joey Sommerville.
• July 20: Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors with special guest Brandon Rose.
• July 27: Rayse Biggs.
• August 3: Nick Colionne.
• August 10: Gregg Karukas.
• August 17: Alexander Zonjic with special guest Steve Cole.
The EDDDA will showcase neighborhood restaurants that will sell their food at booths in the park at each concert. The events will also feature a face painter and balloon twister for the kids.
Nearby restaurants will be open, so concert-goers can purchase carryout food and make a picnic dinner before the shows. Check out the restaurants at EastDowntownDearborn.com.