This Lakewood summer tradition is back, offering nine opportunities to enjoy free, live music in a welcoming Downtown Lakewood environment.
LakewoodAlive announces the talented lineup of musical performers for the 2022 Front Porch Concert Series sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James. See the schedule below for weekly performers comprising the popular live music program, which takes place each Friday evening (7 p.m.) from June 3 through July 29 on the front steps of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue).
The 2022 edition of the Front Porch Concert Series will offer something for many musical tastes. From reggae to rock to soul and pop, each weekly concert remains family-friendly while delving into diverse musical genres.
“We’re thrilled to be back in person this year with a fun and diverse lineup of performers representing a wide spectrum of sounds. We can’t wait to see folks dancing and singing along with these amazing musicians,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive. “We’re thankful to the community and to our sponsors for supporting us and encouraging us to bring back this beloved summer series.”
Now in its 12th year, the 2022 Front Porch Concert Series comprised of returning acts and new performers alike, kicks off June 3 with a performance by Smith Taylor, a talented indie-soul singer-guitarist who does it for love. Smith Taylor looks to lead in advancing the ideas of black sound and creativity, in hopes to inspire thought and self-discovery.
Up next is Raven Rae, a high-energy performer who bridges the gap between the classics and contemporary. Raven is a vocal chameleon who fuses together neo soul, pop, jazz and R&B through dynamic and dramatic performances.
Get ready to put on your dancin’ shoes for Jah Messengers. This Cleveland-based reggae band’s mission is to utilize reggae music as a catalyst to unite all people. The band’s journey began in the late 70’s when six brothers from Jamaica came together to express themselves through roots reggae music.
Local Cleveland musician, Pete Lazard, is a soulful solo acoustic act who covers the popular hits of the last 60 years. Pete’s act offers a stripped down approach to the classic songs we all know and love, with guitar playing that is complemented by the rhythms he creates using a loop pedal.
The George Martins formed in 2016 to perform at the annual Beatles-themed hunger relief fundraiser, All You Need Is Love (and Food). Since then, the band has perfected a repertoire spanning the entire career of The Beatles, welcoming fans of all generations to re-live Beatlemania by singing along to Strawberry Fields Forever and “na-na-na-ing” with Hey Jude.
Cats On Holiday is a Cleveland based swamp pop band that has been delighting audiences for over 20 years with a unique fusion of Louisiana inspired rock, roots and Zydeco music.
The Michael Weber Show is an explosive rock group featuring guitar phenom, Michael Weber. In 2018, Weber won MTV’s “Amazingness” television talent/variety show hosted by Rob Dyrdek.
Next up is Apostle Jones, a popular rock and soul group, known for keeping their shows fresh, rotating between styles that speak to who they are as people and musicians to give a feel good experience to their fans.
Closing the series will be Ray Flanagan, a Cleveland, OH based songwriter that writes and performs his songs with the no nonsense attitude of a skilled journeyman. Although he is one of the most sought after guitarists in Northeast Ohio, songwriting is his true superpower.
2022 Front Porch Concert Series Schedule
All concerts start at 7 p.m. and will be performed on the front steps of Lakewood Public Library
June
6-3-22: Smith Taylor
6-10-22: Raven Rae
6-17-22: Jah Messengers
6-24-22: Pete Lazard
July
7-1-22: The George Martins
7-8-22: Cats On Holiday
7-15-22: The Michael Weber Show
7-22-22: Apostle Jones
7-29-22: Ray Flanagan
For more information regarding the 2022 Front Porch Concert Series please visit: LakewoodAlive.org/FrontPorchConcerts.
The Front Porch Concert Series is generously supported by the following sponsors:
Title Sponsor:
Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James
Encore Sponsors:
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
NOPEC
Applause Sponsors:
Barton Center Inc.
City of Lakewood
Lakewood Public Library
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