Editor’s note:
This article is the first in a series that will profile the bands performing at Munising’s Summer Concerts in the Park.
By Jennifer Champagne
Beacon Correspondent
Munising’s 31st Summer Concerts in the Park series, presented by the Alger Parks and Recreation Department and the Munising Visitors Bureau, kicks off next week with the first of 11 performances at Bayshore Park.
The season opens next Tuesday, June 17, with local favorite Sky Pilots performing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Based in Munising, the Sky Pilots are known across the Upper Peninsula for their high-energy shows and crowd-pleasing set lists. The five-piece band blends classic rock anthems from the 1970s and ’80s with ’90s hits that get the crowd moving.
The lineup includes Mel Strand on vocals, Bryan Benson on lead guitar, Eric Cromell on rhythm guitar, Rich Allender on bass and Dave Bowerman on drums. Sound engineer Ryan keeps the mix tight at every venue.
“I’d say we play this series because it’s home turf — like a comfy pair of shoes,” Cromell said. “Getting to be a part of this summer concert series in our hometown is an honor. Looking out and seeing all the familiar faces is great, playing to family and friends is the best and working with Jim Supanich is the icing on the cake.”
The Concerts in the Park run every Tuesday through Aug. 26, bringing a wide variety of live music to the Lake Superior shoreline. From folk and country to blues and rock, the series celebrates community, summer and the local music scene. All concerts are free to attend.
“This series is about more than
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It’s something families look forward to — free music, fresh air and a beautiful setting. You really can’t beat it.”
—Sheena
Malone
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music,” said Cori-Ann Cearley, executive director of the Munising Visitors Bureau. “It’s about community — sharing a night outside, seeing familiar faces and celebrating where we live. We’re proud to support something that brings people together.”
The series is one of the Alger Parks and Recreation Department’s longest-running traditions, and its popularity continues to grow.
“We’re thrilled to bring the 31st year of Concerts in the Park to life,” said Sheena Malone, APRD director. “It’s something families look forward to — free music, fresh air and a beautiful setting. You really can’t beat it.”
As always, none of this would be possible without community support.
Organizers offer a heartfelt thank you to the many sponsors who make this series possible each year: Munising Visitors Bureau, Grand Island Lodge, Kiwanis Club of Alger County, Putvin Drug Store, Dental Associates of Marquette, Munising Downtown Development Authority, Eh Burger, Hiawatha Telephone Company, Alger Falls Motel, Munising Rotary, Main Street Pizza, Munising Lions Club, Knights of Columbus 2804, In Memory of Katie Anderson, Jim and Sharon Lindquist and the Munising Moose Lodge 1386.
For the full concert schedule and updates, visit algerparksandrec. org.
