Editor’s note:
This article is the second in a series profiling the bands performing at Munising’s Summer Concerts in the Park.
The 31st season of Munising’s Summer Concerts in the Park keeps rolling next Tuesday, June 24, with regional crowd pleaser 2nd Edition taking the stage at Bayshore Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Blending blues, classic rock and a little bit of everything in between, 2nd Edition has built a reputation for versatility and fun. The group’s lineup includes Darrell Dixson (vocals and bass), Dan Callahan (guitar), Don Worthington (drums) and Dan Niemi (guitar), all of whom bring decades of live music experience to the stage.
“We’re a group of older guys who still love playing and entertaining,” Dixson said with a laugh. “We cover a wide variety — blues, classic rock, even a few surprises. We’re not really tied to one genre, which keeps things fun for us and the crowd.”
Like many bands, 2nd Edition came together organically. Dixson was between bands a few years ago when his wife suggested posting on Facebook to find new bandmates. The response was quick, and the lineup came together.
“We caught fire,” he said. “We didn’t think we’d be playing this much, but people seem to enjoy what we do.”
This marks the third summer that 2nd Edition will perform as part of Munising’s concert series. For Dixson, who spent seven years stationed in Munising with the Michigan State Police, the show feels like coming home.
“Every year, I see old friends I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said. “It’s a great community, and we always get a warm reception.”
Longtime friend and fellow musician Rod Gendron — who also coaches tennis with Dixson — said Dixson’s style is part of what makes 2nd Edition stand out.
“Darrell has a very soulful, deep voice — very easy listening,” Gendron said. “He sings in churches, at events, and he still gives it everything on stage. At 76 years old, he’s got more energy than most people half his age.”
While the set list always includes fan favorites, Dixson said the band has added several new songs since last year’s performance.
“We’ve learned five or six new ones over the winter,” he said. “We’ll take requests, too — as long as we know the song, we’re happy to play it.”
The concerts continue to be one of the community’s most popular summer traditions, drawing locals and visitors to the Lake Superior shoreline for free live music every Tuesday night through Aug. 26.
“This is truly one of our favorite programs each year,” said Sheena Malone, director of the Alger Parks and Recreation Department. “You see entire families — grandparents, kids, neighbors — all gathering at Bayshore. The bands are great, but it’s really about the people and the community.”
Kathy Reynolds, director of the Munising Downtown Development Authority, echoed that sentiment.
“The concert series showcases not only the talent we have locally, but the heart of Munising,” Reynolds said. “It’s a great way for visitors to experience the energy of our town and for residents to reconnect all summer long.”
The Summer Concerts in the Park series is presented by the Alger Parks and Recreation Department and the Munising Visitors Bureau, with support from numerous sponsors: 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.
