Free ‘Rhythm on the River’ concert series to return in Grand Rapids

Rhythm on the River (Photo: Historical Society of Grand Rapids)

From GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Grand Rapids Historical Society is sponsoring another season of the “Rhythm on the River” music series in Grand Rapids. The first program will be presented by HayFire on Sunday, June 21, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. The concerts will be presented in the Wright Pavilion located on the towpath between the canal and the Maumee River, at the end of Lincoln Street, behind LaRoe’s Venue.

This classic country group is part of the 17 groups that make up Spitler Cooksey Entertainment. HayFire has been playing together for six years. Members of the band are Rick Spitler on drums, Benton Cooksey on lead guitar and vocals, and Dan Long on bass guitar and vocals. About a year ago, they added Barbi Cooksey on lead vocals. Some patriotic selections will be included in the concert to help celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.

The concert is free, and everyone is invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and join the historical society in this setting alongside the Maumee River for classics from the country genre. In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved farther west on Front Street to the old fire station.