PRESS RELEASE- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is pleased to announce the ten-show lineup for the Tuesday Evening Music Club, with a diverse schedule of live bands and programming ranging from jazz to indie, rock to folk, ballet and more. The Tuesday Evening Music Club brings talented local and regional musicians to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings—free to Meijer Gardens members and included with admission for other guests—throughout July and August with a special “dress rehearsal” concert set for June 4, 2019. Amphitheater plaza gates open at 5 p.m. and shows begin at 7 p.m.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater has undergone significant expansion and improvement over the past two seasons. While maintaining the intimacy of the venue, the project has renovated the Steve & Amy Van Andel Terraces for sponsor seating, added new support areas for visiting artists, backstage and loading dock improvements and increased the space in the general seating area. With beautiful terraced lawn seating and spectacular views of gardens and sculpture, the 1,900-seat amphitheater is Michigan’s most unique and intimate outdoor concert venue.

A new concessions building has been added for the 2019 season. Increased capacity will assist with quicker food and beverage service. An improved point of sale system with quick chip technology will speed up purchases. This building also has new restrooms outside of the entry gates for guests waiting in line. An expanded plaza area with additional entry gates will help shorten lines and wait times.

Meijer Gardens is also pleased to announce two new series sponsors for the Tuesday Evening Music Club. Meyer Music and Michigan Radio 104.1 FM join WYCE and Corporate Live as partners for the series. Meyer Music will be bringing various instruments each week for guests to enjoy in a hands-on, “instrument petting zoo” at each concert.

2019 Tuesday Evening Music Club lineup:

May Erlewine and The Motivations, June 4 at 7 p.m. 
For one night only, enjoy a special “dress rehearsal” concert featuring 50% off all food at the new concessions building as we unveil the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater expansion and upgrades. 
A seven-piece retro groove band playing original and soul classics with renowned vocalist May Erlewine carrying the show, invoking a positive and intentional message.

Roosevelt Diggs and Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, July 2 at 7 p.m.
Roosevelt Diggs: An energetic, acoustic blend of folk, country, bluegrass and blues. Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish: A raw, high-octane intensification of 50’s style rock & roll, with Elvis-esque vocals and hints of rockabilly.    

Big Sherb and Paddlebots, July 9 at 7 p.m.
Big Sherb: A largely instrumental mix of funk, fusion and progressive rock.
Paddlebots: Self-described as progressive soul-pop, they’re an amalgam of soul, pop, funk and jazz.

Matt Gabriel and Kari Lynch Band, July 16 at 7 p.m.
Matt Gabriel: A savvy singer-songwriter and his band, rooted in Americana and country, but delving into a variety of great American genres.  
Kari Lynch Band: A burgeoning country-pop sensation, Michigan born, now Nashville-based, who has opened for the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town.

Boy From School and Manhattan, July 23 at 7 p.m.
Boy from School: An electronic, indie rock, pop concoction with forays into synth. Manhattan: Riff-centric rock & roll, with electronic, metal and jazz influences.

Franklin Park and 6-Pak, July 30 at 7 p.m.
Franklin Park: Reunited in 2010, these former classmates from 1969 perform spot-on renditions of songs from The Beatles, The Byrds, The Rascals and many more groups from the 60s. 6-Pak: A legendary all-girl band originally formed in 1967, performing the grooviest hits from that era.

The Hip Pocket and Soul Syndicate, August 6 at 7 p.m.
The Hip Pocket: An eleven-piece, horn-heavy band specializing in funk, R&B, soul and blues. Soul Syndicate: Pays high-energy, pinpoint homage to R&B and soul classics from various eras.

The River Rogues Jazz Band and Sam’s Swing Band, August 13 at 7 p.m.
The River Rogues Jazz Band: With over twenty years of experience, this seven-piece ensemble specializes in traditional and Dixieland jazz. 
Sam’s Swing Band: A full-size swing band primarily playing music of the 30s and 40s including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Grand Rapids Ballet, August 20 at 7 p.m.
This program will employ a full company of dancers performing works by some of today’s most in-demand choreographers. A mix of classical and contemporary ballets, including Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, featuring the music of Queen, Lou Reed, Felix Mendelssohn and many more will be included.

Ralston & Friends, August 27 at 7 p.m.
Local icon Ralston Bowles shares the stage with friends and collaborators from the community and beyond.