HUDSON — For more than a decade, the Celebrate Hudson Music in the Park series has been bringing talented acoustic groups and singer-songwriters to play free concerts in Hudson.
Founder and organizer Dave Sheely calls the concert series “one of Lenawee County’s best kept secrets,” and this summer, six different groups will perform outdoors on the campus of the Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry, 550 E. Main St.
A mix of genres are featured, but the concert series favors acoustic music and singer-songwriters performing original work. Sheely presents the concerts in cooperation with the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce.
All of the concerts start at 6:30 p.m., and admission is free.
The Oh Boys: Thursday, June 5. Chicago-based trio The Oh Boys is a vintage-inspired powerhouse of pop, rock, folk and doo-wop, whose songs feature tight harmonies, inventive arrangements, and poignant lyrics. Veterans of the stage, their live show engages and entertains with a sense of humor, spontaneity, and melodic storytelling.
Mare Wakefield and Nomad: Thursday, June 19. Mare Wakefield was born with wanderlust in her DNA. Her rich vocals reflect her travels and range from travelscapes, and hope to barroom brawls. Story and song are woven together by Mare’s intimate delivery and Nomad’s exquisite piano and accordion. Currently based in Nashville, the pair were 2016 and 2015 Kerrville NewFolk finalists and 2015 Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists.
The Debutants: Thursday, June 26. The Debutants are a seven-member newgrass/Americana band from Fort Wayne, Indiana. They are known for their unique combination of bluegrass, indie folk, and Americana influences. The band formed from a longstanding friendship between founding members Jon Swain and Lynn Nicholson, who both share a passion for bluegrass music that they began to explore during their teenage years in Fort Wayne. This collaboration led to the establishment of The Debutants in March 2019.
The Magnolia Janes: Thursday, July 24. The Magnolia Janes have a way of sorting through life’s highs and lows, painting lush, emotional soundscapes that guide listeners to look for the beauty within. Made up of friends and songwriters Ashley Riley and Sarah Bonsignore, the duo first met at a sync songwriting retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Both acclaimed solo artists who have had success writing music for film and TV, they bonded over their love of vintage clothes, cheap wine, and many laughs. Their rich harmonies make this concert an easy listening pleasure.
Andy Sydow: Thursday, July 31. Americana, rock and folk singer-songwriter Andy Sydow is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who’s lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism. Touring consistently both solo and with his band (Andy Sydow & The Minor League), Sydow is known to sway an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, surprising keyboard chops, and even sing a few numbers on his lap steel. He draws comparisons to voices like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne, mixed with a roots rock vibe reminiscent of Tom Petty.
Suzie Vinnick: Thursday, Aug. 14. A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara Region of Ontario, Suzie Vinnick has a gorgeous voice, impressive guitar and bass chops and an engagingly candid performance style.
