ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) – Twelve bands will be featured at three main music festivals in Escanaba this summer as organizers look to expand, Marina Fest, Rock the Dock and the Escanaba Labor Day Celebration.
A Monday press release from the Escanaba Live Music Committee announced the lineup.
“This is a tremendous lineup of local talent that will be featured at what we expect will be growing events this year,” said Lorne Watson, Escanaba Recreation Advisory Board member, in the press release.
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The lineup was put together by the Escanaba Live Music Committee that includes the Escanaba Recreation Department, Escanaba Downtown Development Authority and members of the musical community.
Six bands will perform at Marina Fest on Saturday, July 27 at the Escanaba Harbor. It kicks off with Escanaba’s premiere Celtic band Falite at noon between the harbormaster building and Escanaba Yacht Club.
The Marrier Revival Orchestra builds on the traditional big band era of Escanaba with the music of Chet Marrier. The group, led by band leader Joe Hellberg, takes the stage at 1:00 p.m.
The Lorne Watson Quartet, a mix of modern jazz and eclectic world music led by drummer Lorne Watson, plays at 2:30 p.m.
Pete Ammel and the House Band of Kevin Chown and Dave Potvin perform at 4:15 p.m. Ammel presents an eclectic jazz/singer-songwriter mix of standards and originals with the band from the House of Ludington.
The Bill Lark Blues Band then takes over at 6:00 p.m. They will play the blues from a band of Escanaba’s best musicians.
Marina Fest closes with a set of the best of classic rock’s excellent vocal harmonies from the Delta Players starting at 8:00 p.m.
“Our attempt is to continue the tradition of Marina Fest established by former harbormaster Larry Gravett,” said Craig Woerpel, director of the Escanaba DDA.
Three bands will highlight Rock the Dock on Saturday, Aug. 3. Heavy metal band Croven takes the stage at 4:00 p.m. at the Municipal Dock and the rock band Where is Gary? plays at 6:15 p.m.
Sit Down Francis recently released an album of original songs. They begin at 8:00 p.m.
“It is going to be a premiere night of rock music in the park. This is a great lineup that everyone will enjoy,” said Kevin Chown, member of the Escanaba Live Music committee.
Following a parade on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2 by the Delta County Labor Council, three bands will entertain during a Labor Day Celebration at the Municipal Dock. They are Grand Design at 1:00 p.m., Wingin’ It at 3:00 p.m. and We Ain’t Saints starting at 5:00 p.m.
“The Labor Council and city recreation have all kinds of activities as well such as the golf ball drop, Bloody Mary bar and kid events,” said Mike Canull, member of the Escanaba Live Music committee.
A fourth event will be announced later. Lake Shore Live will be held on Sept. 14.
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