The 31st season of Munising’s Summer Concerts in the Park rolls into its third week with the DayDreamers taking the stage next Tuesday, July 1, at Bayshore Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Known for their high-octane live performances and tight, classic- meets-modern rock sound, the DayDreamers have built a loyal following across the Upper Peninsula.
“This is our 10th year performing as part of the concert series, and it’s always a highlight for us,” said Nicklas Johnson, the band’s lead guitarist and manager. “Munising’s DDA and Parks and Rec folks have always been welcoming to artists, and it’s a chance to reach both locals and tourists in one of the most beautiful spots you can play.”
The DayDreamers’ current lineup features Johnson on lead guitar; Jack Bowers on lead vocals; Bryn Jungwirth on drums; Gary Parkkonen on keys; and Dave Ziegner on bass.
Bowers is known for holding a note for over 20 seconds and infusing each performance with theatrical flair. Johnson, who is legally blind, delivers emotionally charged guitar solos. Jungwirth, who is fully blind, drives the rhythm section with explosive energy.
Stina Jackson, who won the 2024 UP Voice competition, has become a frequent collaborator and will join the group for the July 1 show. While technically a featured performer, Johnson said her involvement has grown into something more.
“She’s not replacing Jack — he’s still very much in the band,” Johnson said. “But adding another vocalist lets us expand our range and give Jack some breathing room. It’s been working really well.”
Jackson described her time with the band as transformative.
“Performing with the Day-Dreamers has been incredibly healing,” she said. “They’re a wildly talented group, and the chemistry on stage feels like a warm hug. Jack’s been so generous, handing off songs and encouraging me to find my voice within the group.”
Her first show with the band was in 2023. Since then, she’s slowly woven herself into the fabric of their performances — always asking before adding harmonies, and staying true to the band’s long-established vibe.
“I didn’t want to change what they already had — just add to it,” Jackson said. “There’s a lot of mutual respect, and that makes the collaboration feel really natural.”
Their set lists, Johnson said, are a careful balance of crowd pleasers and energetic flow.
“We’re a Top 40s band at heart, so we try to build momentum and give each member a chance to shine,” he said. “We’ve played together for over a decade, and a lot of that chemistry comes from simply trusting each other.”
That trust has been built not only through music, but through long-standing friendships and shared experiences. Jungwirth and Johnson have played together for over 15 years; Parkkonen and Ziegner for more than 20.
Though based in the U.P., the DayDreamers aren’t strangers to larger stages — or private gigs.
“We do everything from festivals to weddings,” Johnson said. “We can perform as a full band or as a duo, depending on the vibe.”
The upcoming July 1 concert will mark Jackson’s debut at the Summer Concert Series.
“I’ve never played the summer series before,” she said. “But we did a set recently right along the harbor. It was beautiful — you look out behind you and there’s the lake. It’s a pretty magical setting.”
For her, the music is about more than performance.
“This summer, I’m just trying to shake off the overthinking and enjoy it,” Jackson said. “Music has been my longest relationship — and, at times, my biggest heartbreak. The DayDreamers reminded me why I love it.”
The Summer Concerts in the Park series continues every Tuesday through Aug. 26, bringing free live music to the Lake Superior shoreline.
“Our Concert in the Park series gives us a chance to showcase local talent in a setting that really highlights the beauty of our community,” Munising City Commissioner Rod DesJardins said. “It’s family-friendly and draws both locals and tourists. Since we started it, a dozen other U.P. communities have adopted the same free, weekday outdoor concert format.”
Cori-Ann Cearley, executive director of the Munising Visitors Bureau, added, “There’s nothing better than live music by the lake with people you know. These concerts aren’t just events — they’re a reflection of our town’s energy and heart.”
The DayDreamers are no strangers to Munising — or Alger County, for that matter. In addition to their July 1 appearance at Bayshore Park, the band has a packed summer lineup that includes performances at The Barge Inn on June 27 and Aug. 8, an acoustic duo show on July 18 and a headline slot at the Grand Marais Music and Arts Festival’s free family night on Aug. 7.
Jackson is also making solo moves of her own. On July 19, she’ll take the main stage at the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival in Marquette as one of two local artists selected to perform.
“It’s the next step for me,” Jackson said. “I’m really excited about it, and the DayDreamers have been a big part of helping me grow in my own journey.”
The series is presented by the Alger Parks and Recreation Department and the Munising Visitors Bureau, with support from more than a dozen community sponsors. For the full schedule and updates, visit algerparksandrec. org.
Correction:
Our June 20 story on the 2nd Edition concert included inaccurate information about the members of the band. The full lineup is Rob Canary on drums; Bob Mercier on guitar, bass and vocals; Zack Middaugh on guitar, bass and vocals; and Darrell Dixson on vocals. We regret the errors.
