The 2021 Algonac Clay Music in the Parks series will bring new and returning artists to the Algonac and Clay Township area to entertain each week.
Free weekly concerts are scheduled to take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays from June 3 to Aug. 12. The concerts from June 3 to July 8 will take place at Algonac Riverfront Park. Concerts from July 15 to Aug. 12 will take place at Clay Township Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Social distancing and safe practices will be observed.
Deborah Green will also return with the Art in the Park program sponsored by the Algonac Rotary Club.
“Deborah is a creative artist that enjoys sharing her talents with all ages,” Clay Township Recreation Coordinator Cindy Babisz said. “We are thrilled to have Deb continue this unique feature in our concert series.”
Babisz said that there are several new artists this year.
“Dynasty is a local band that is celebrating 57 years together,” she said. “They sent a demo and it sounds great. A lot of good hits that you don’t hear very often. We are looking forward to a great show. Bob Marshall Band played on (Harsens Island) a few years back and was a big hit. We are happy to bring him over to Algonac.”
The Gobies are scheduled for the finale in Algonac this year and have “quite a fan base,” she said.
“Mainstream Drive is new in Clay and was recommended by our dear friend Catherine Green,” Babisz continued. “We have been trying to book Detroit Social Club Blues Band for a few years. We love having different genres of music. Los Gringos is a new performer featuring the sound of Journey, AC/DC and Queen.”
The grand finale on Aug. 12 is The Insiders: Tom Petty Tribute Band.
“I attended the Shorts Brewery Anni Party in 2019 when they were headlining in Bellaire,” Babisz said. “When I shared their information with our administrator, he said, ‘Book them.’ Their sound is amazing and I am confident they will be a big draw.”
She said organizers are just as excited about returning favorites Rock Steady, Sinjon Smith and Mystic 6.
“They have played here in the past and are all well loved by the audiences,” she said. “Rock Steady is a great opener to start the season.”
The performance schedule is as follows:
• June 3: Rock Steady
• June 10: The Dynasty
• June 17: Bob Marshall Band
• June 24: Sinjon Smith
• July 8: The Gobies
• July 15: Mystic 6
• July 22: Mainstream Drive
• July 29: Detroit Social Band
• Aug. 5: Los Gringos
• Aug. 12: The Insiders: Tom Petty Tribute Band
Rain locations for the concerts are the Algonac and Clay Township fire departments. The Aug. 12 rain location is still to be announced. The decision on the rain locations will be made by 5:30 p.m. prior to each performance.
Babisz said organizers saw good numbers at the events last year, which had special adjustments in place in regards to restrictions.
“We hope to see record-breaking numbers this year,” she said. “Everyone is ready to get outside and enjoy the season. The state restrictions are easing up and more of the population is vaccinated. We continue to recommend safe practices. Stay with your family group. Do not attend if you are not feeling well.”
The title sponsor of the series is ML Chartier. The Algonac Riverfront Park stage is sponsored by Algonac Chiropractic Family Wellness Center and Amiels Enterprises Inc. and the Clay Township Park stage is sponsored by Clay Township Downtown Development Authority. Each concert also has its own sponsors.
“They consistently support our efforts and our events,” Babisz said of the event sponsors. “They understand what our intentions are and how well received these events are in the community. They agree that these types of events highlight our beautiful parks and improve our quality of life in our community. Our sponsors are community heroes. We could not do this without them.”
“I think people enjoy these events because they bring community together in our beautiful park settings,” she added. “They can relax and enjoy the weather, visit with friends and neighbors and listen to great music. Both locations are unique and well loved. I like how boats can pull up to listen in Algonac and the kids can enjoy the splash pad in Clay.”
For more information, contact Babisz at 810-794-9320
or cab8260@gmail.com.
Emily Pauling is a staff writer for The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6200 or epauling@medianewsgroup.com.
