Friends of Ludington State Park announces summer music and program series

May 9, 2024

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Friends of Ludington State Park, in conjunction with Ludington State Park and the LSP interpretive program, announce the 2024 Summer Series featuring 22 programs.

All events are free and begin at 7 p.m. Most will be at the amphitheater in Ludington State Park, just south of the Big Sable River walking bridge with a rain location of the Lake Michigan beach house.

The Chloe Kimes concert, Tuesday July 2, will take place at Waterfront Park in Ludington. Kimes’s shows at the state park have drawn large crowds. Moving the show to Waterfront Park during Independence Day week will allow accommodating more people for what’s become an annual hometown show for the Nashville-based, Scottville-raised singer-songwriter.

This year, in addition to local acts such as Third Coast Swing, John Merchant and Greg Miller, 80 Cows, regional artists such as Max and Ruth Bloomquist Blue Water Ramblers, Lee Murdock are featured. In addition, the popular Live Birds of Prey program from Outdoor Discovery Center will be offered twice as well as an afternoon display and evening program of live Michigan reptiles.

This year, Safe Harbor Credit Union is sponsoring the series. Buckets will be passed at each event to support the efforts of Friends of Ludington State Park in helping provide programs, projects and in other ways benefiting Ludington State Park.

“From country to jazz, reptiles to magic, the 2024 FLSP entertainment and guest presenter series will once again offer something for everyone,” Patrick O’Hare, FLSP president, said. “It will be the last series coordinated by Alan Wernette, DNR Park Interpreter who is retiring after 36 years with the DNR. FLSP is grateful to Alan for his many years of service to the DNR and partnership with FLSP.  We also appreciate Safe Harbor Credit Union for sponsoring the series this year.”

“As I go into my 26th and final year as the park Interpreter and schedule maker for the annual Guest Presenter Summer Series at Ludington State Park, I would like to give a huge thank you to the Friends of Ludington State Park for funding and volunteering during this annual series to make it a popular and permanent fixture here at Ludington State Park.

“This summer of 2024 on Tuesday and Saturday evenings we have another outstanding lineup to offer everyone. From a variety of music to magic shows to seeing and learning about Michigan birds of prey and reptiles, there are fascinating and fun shows in a family friendly environment. Aside from the Park Vehicle Entrance Fee (Michigan Recreation Passport) all shows are free.”

  • Tuesday, June 11, John Merchant and Greg Miller, acoustic guitar duo, original and covers
  • Saturday, June 15, Max and Ruth Bloomquist, “Rootsy acoustic Americana Folk”
  • June 18, Live Birds of Prey, from Outdoor Discovery Center
  • June 22 Michigan Reptile and Amphibians, Nature Discovery
  • June 25, Blue Water Ramblers, traditional music with modern themes
  • June 29, Rin Tarsy, singer-songwriter returns after powerful 2023 performance
  • July 2, Chloe Kimes, Scottville native brings her Nashville band to Ludington’s Waterfront Park
  • July 6, Lee Murdock, Great Lakes balladeer, presents “Great Lakes Ships that Go Down and Ships that Come In”
  • July 9, Nick Veine and Ben Traverse, folk, blues and Irish music
  • July 13, Selkie Sounds, Celtic multi-instrumentalists and singers
  • July 16, 80 Cows, Acoustic Americana by Dan Mahynski, Mike Lenich and Debbie Chase
  • July 20, Sheri and Wyatt Knapp, sparkling vocals, lush harmonies, eclectic music
  • July 23 Third Coast Swing, big band version with special guest at the Lake Michigan Beach House
  • July 27 Skipski Magic Show, a family favorite
  • July 30 Langford Lads, Irish-influenced trio that performs a variety of folk styles
  • Aug. 3 Uneven Ground, Celtic music
  • Aug. 6 Live Birds of Prey, from Outdoor Discovery Center returns
  • Aug. 10 J&O Junction (Jacob Wolf and Olivia Kimes), acoustic folk and bluegrass duo
  • Aug. 13 Canoy Space, Original music, powerful vocals from this Pentwater duo
  • Aug. 17, Tom Noack, “Twelve String Memories” of classic rock songs
  • Aug. 24 Salt City Dixie Jazz Band, a crowd pleaser over the years
  • Aug. 31 Eric Engblade, “Folk-rock with teeth”

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