ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – 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.
“This is a tremendous lineup of local talent that will be featured at what we expect will be growing events this year,” Escanaba Recreation Advisory Board member Lorne Watson said in a press release on the announcement.
The lineup was put together by the Escanaba Live Music Committee, which includes the Escanaba Recreation Department, the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and members of the musical community.
Six bands will perform at Marina Fest on July 27 at the Escanaba Harbor. It will kick off with Escanaba’s premiere Celtic band, Falite, at noon between the harbormaster building and the 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, will take the stage at 1 p.m.
The Lorne Watson Quartet is a mix of modern jazz and eclectic world music, led by drummer Lorne Watson. The quartet will play at 2:30 p.m. Pete Ammel and the House Band of Kevin Chown and Dave Potvin will 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 will take over at 6 p.m., with a band of Escanaba’s best musicians playing the blues. Marina Fest will close with a set of the best of classic rock’s excellent vocal harmonies from the Delta Players, starting at 8 p.m.
“Our attempt is to continue the tradition of Marina Fest established by former harbormaster Larry Gravett,” said Escanaba DDA Director Craig Woerpel.
Three bands will highlight Rock the Dock on Saturday, August 3. Heavy metal band Croven will take the Municipal Dock stage at 4 p.m., followed by rock band Where is Gary? at 6:15 p.m. Sit Down Francis, who recently released an album of original songs, will play at 8 p.m.
“It is going to be a premiere night of rock music in the park,” said Kevin Chown, member of the Escanaba Live Music Committee. “This is a great lineup that everyone will enjoy.”
On September 2, following a parade 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 p.m., Wingin’ It at 3 p.m., and We Ain’t Saints at 5 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.
Lake Shore Live will be held on September 14, and a fourth event has yet to be announced.
