Summer in Ann Arbor means live music is always right around the corner. Between the stacked lineups of Sonic Lunch, Top of the Park and A2 Summer Streets, there are so many opportunities to see your favorite local artist perform in the city (or discover a new favorite!)
While the list of free outdoor concerts in Ann Arbor is lengthy, here are five shows you definitely won’t want to miss this year.
1.) June 13: Laith Al Saadi — Sonic Lunch, Liberty Plaza 11:30am
Laith Al-Saadi propelled himself to the national stage on The Voice in 2016 (Season 10). But for over 25 years, he has been a local Ann Arbor favorite of the Michigan music scene. His music is a perfect mix of rock, blues/jazz and soul. His voice is full and powerful. His influence includes Hendrix, Clapton and the Beatles.
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2.) June 14: Thornetta Davis — Top of the Park, Rackham Stage, 9pm
2.) June 14: Thornetta Davis is an acclaimed blues and R&B singer from Detroit Michigan recognized for her soulful singing and compelling fullness. Her influences are Motown and classic blues. She once sang with the Ann Arbor band Big Chief, but her long solo career is well-known in the Ann Arbor and Detroit area.
3.) June 30: George Bedard and the King Pins — Top of the Park, Rackham stage 8:30pm
Guitarist and vocalist George Bedard is one of the most well-known Midwestern musicians and Ann Arbor-based legends. Bedard is a Master of guitar and rockabilly songs.
4.) July 25: The Accidentals — Sonic Lunch, Liberty Plaza 11:30am
Accidentals are quirky, fun Michigan-based bands sometimes lyrical and sometimes rocking it out. They are known to do wonderful covers like “Closer To Fine” by the Indigo Girls and exceptional originals like “Michigan Again.”
5.) August 8: May Erlewine — Sonic Lunch, Liberty Plaza 11:30am
Erlewine possesses a jazzy and silky voice and is even somewhat reminiscent of Billy Holiday with some of her songs like “Days Go By.” Originally from Big Rapids, she is known as one of Michigan’s most prolific songwriters. She shares her low moments and also her empowering ones in her music.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
