LakewoodAlive’s 2017 Front Porch Concert Series Draws Crowds, Elicits Smiles in Downtown Lakewood

Photo by Brian Foox / The Lakewood Observer

Seventh Year of Popular Summer Series Featured 11 Crowd-Pleasing Performances

On 11 occasions this summer, Downtown Lakewood took on a different persona.  Always a bustling commercial district, the Detroit Avenue corridor now brimmed with family gatherings, dancing children, melodious tunes and a cheerful atmosphere fit for celebrating the weekend’s arrival.  

The 2017 Front Porch Concert Series concluded on September 15, when Rock On Band featuring Nance Sias performed the 11th and final show on the front steps of Lakewood Public Library.  Sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James and presented by LakewoodAlive, this popular summer concert series drew approximately 4,000 attendees to Downtown Lakewood for performances held on consecutive Fridays from July 7 through September 15.

A staple of Lakewood’s summer since 2011, the Front Porch Concert Series adds vibrancy and an enhanced sense of community to Lakewood’s urban core, inducing smiles and foot-tapping among guests from all walks of life.  Each week showcased a different style of family-friendly music while Lakewoodites and visitors enjoyed an entertaining evening at an open-air venue.

The 2017 installment of the Front Porch Concert Series featured fabulous weather and an incredible variety of musical genres ranging from rock-n-roll and jazz to reggae and swing.  With 11 total performances this summer, the series has now hosted nearly 70 concerts since its inception.   

“On behalf of LakewoodAlive and Lakewood Public Library, thank you to the musicians, sponsors, concert-goers and volunteers who helped make the 2017 Front Porch Concert Series such a tremendous success,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive.  “Like a catchy song stuck in your head, the concert series kept us wanting to hear more, and furthered our mission to foster and sustain vibrant neighborhoods in Lakewood.”  

LakewoodAlive thanks the following talented musicians and bands for performing as part of the 2017 Front Porch Concert Series: Carlos Jones (week 1), Cats on Holiday (week 2), Diana Chittester (week 3), The Chris Vance Trio (week 4), Revolution Brass Band (week 5), Red Light Roxy (week 6), Becky Boyd & The Groove Train (week 7), Vance Music Studios Rock Bands (week 8), Ernie Krivda (week 9), The Havana Nights Orchestra (week 10) and Rock On Band featuring Nance Sias (week 11).

The 2017 Front Porch Concert Series is generously supported by the following sponsors:

Title Sponsor:
Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James

Encore Sponsors:

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture | Lakewood Public Library

Harmony Sponsors:
City of Lakewood | Cleveland Clinic Lakewood | Cox Communications | Lion and Blue | Vance Music Studios

Matt Bixenstine

I am the Marketing & Development Manager for LakewoodAlive. I enjoy all things Lakewood, especially walking my basset hound through Madison Park.

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Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 5:13 PM, 10.03.2017