Tennant Performance Shell Concerts in the Park

The Clinton County Arts Council and City of St. Johns’ free outdoor concert series has six shows left to go before the summer wraps up. Bill Tennant, one of the founding members of the arts council and a longtime supporter of the arts in Clinton County, offers a deeper look into each of the upcoming performances.

July 26: Dave Bennett Quartet 

“Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso who also plays electric guitar, piano, drums and vocalizes. He covers music from the swing era to early rockabilly and country, plus Elvis Presley and more. Joining him will be well-known mid-Michigan jazz musicians Jeff Kressler on keyboards and Ed Fedewa on bass along with Ann Arbor’s Pete Siers on drums.”

Aug. 2: C.A.R.Ma. Quartet

“This group is made up of Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth, a Grammy Award-winning harmonica player; John Churchville, a Grammy Award-winning tabla drummer; Brennan Andes, who has toured nationally and internationally with various groups; and Dan Ripke, who toured and performed with the rock-bluegrass group Back Forty. You will hear jazz, folk and blues along with American roots and world music.”

Aug. 9: The Detroit Retro Society 

“The Detroit Retro Society is one of Michigan’s greatest music-entertainment production teams. Musically, the band includes some of Detroit’s finest performers presenting a nice mix of Detroit sounds, including some of the most enjoyable classics along with modern pop hits.”

Aug. 16: Full Cord 

“Full Cord has made it into the top tier of bluegrass groups in the United States after winning two major awards last year: the prestigious 2022 Telluride Band Contest in Colorado and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Award for Band of the Year.”

Aug. 23: Kari Holmes Band 

Kari Holmes, a Nashville recording artist, is an exhilarating country/pop/rock singer. After signing a record contract with Nashville America Records, her career took off, gaining steam in Nashville and around the United States. Performing with her band, Holmes will hit the stage running with her fresh new sound; infective, vivacious personality; and incredible voice.”

Aug. 30: Matt King 

“A Michigan resident, Matt King has traveled throughout the United States and Europe entertaining audiences with his unique ability to bring the music of Elvis Presley to life via his moves, mannerisms, looks and costuming — and, of course, that distinctive voice.”