Kind of Blues will perform from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursday at Out to Lunch in downtown Iron Mountain.
IRON MOUNTAIN — The band Kind of Blues will perform at the second concert for the popular Out to Lunch program Thursday in downtown Iron Mountain.
The OTL program takes place on Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. through Aug. 13 at the Magee Johnson park, on the corner of Hughitt and Iron Mountain streets, across from the main Dickinson County Library.
For more than 15 years, audiences have responded to the jazz stylings of the U.P.’s Phil Lynch Quartet. Over the past several summers, the group has begun to introduce other popular genres and music into their performances, and while they still focus primarily on jazz, listeners will be able to hear many originals, from light pop and Broadway artists.
This year, Kind of Blues will feature Craig Recla, band director for Iron Mountain Schools, as lead singer, along with keyboard specialist Phil Lynch from Escanaba High School. Lynch plays the blues organ and helps with vocals. Newly retired bassist and vocalist John Beck also will be accompanying the band, along with drummer Greg Hunt. The group will present mainly blues music made famous by many of the classic greats such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and more, but they do often throw in a curve ball to add some variety.
Weather permitting, Crispigna’s, Jean Kay’s Pasties, and Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts will continue to provide food for the OTL program. This year, Crispigna’s is offering a pre-order service and a pay-by-phone option for concert goers who want to social distance by not waiting in lines. A separate “pick up only” spot will be designated at the OTL program. More information can be found on Crispigna’s Facebook page or by calling 906-774-0266.
While audience members can bring their own lunches, purchases from the food vendors support these small businesses.
Some seating is provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. This year, in order to remain compliant with all state COVID-19 regulations, the OTL program is unable to provide umbrellas to the public, so attendees should bring those as well to provide shade, along with beverages to stay as hydrated as possible.
Due to current regulations, the Braumart Theatre can’t be used as in the past, so concerts will be canceled if inclement weather threatens.
Information on cancellations will be posted to the OTL Facebook page, and also will be announced on the radio.
The first event of the season did not feature the usual raffle contest but did offer a chance to win a donated gift by the concert sponsor, Erickson Jewelers, owned by Sherri and Randy Erickson. The prize winner, who entered the contest via Facebook, took home a limited-edition rose quartz stacker bracelet from the TJazelle collection.
This week’s concert is sponsored by First Bank, formerly known as Northern Michigan Bank and Trust. In addition to sponsoring this week’s concert, First Bank also has donated a gift basket that can be won by entering the concert giveaway on the OTL Facebook page.
The free Out to Lunch concerts are provided by Friends of the Downtown Development Association and its presenting sponsor for the 2020 season, the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area.
The OTL program is funded entirely through sponsors and donations. Buckets will be available at the event for those wishing to donate.
“People were so generous at the Safe Sax concert with donations, which is huge this year, especially without having the raffle, and everyone was so considerate and cooperative with our social distancing guidelines, which are necessary for the concerts to continue,” said Amber Pipp, DDA program director.
For more information, go online to www.DowntownIronMountain.com/Out-To-Lunch, or the Out to Lunch Facebook page at facebook.com/ironmountainouttolunch. To volunteer or donate to Out to Lunch, call Pipp at 906-774-8534.