Downtown Brighton’s Amphitheater on Millpond Park – The AMP — will once again feature live music this summer with Turn Up The AMP! — a series of free monthly concerts/food drives presented by Lake Trust Credit Union that kicks off Wednesday, June 10.
“We started this series in 2013 as Jazz at The Pond,” said Cal Stone, who along with his wife, Whitney, operates 2 Stones Events, “In 2021, we opened it up to include rock, country, Americana, blues, pop…whatever! Last year, we featured bands that focus primarily on original music. This summer, we’re celebrating trios – and it’s a killer lineup. And, as always, we’ll have Heslip Audio on board to handle the sound production.”
The 2026 Turn Up The AMP! Series features Downriver Dan (June 10); Brett Lucas (July 8); George Bedard & The Kingpins (August 12); and Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones (Sept. 9).
The music begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.
There are numerous parking lots downtown, and this interactive map will help visitors navigate the locations.
The family-friendly concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees can use The AMP’s seating or bring a chair (and an umbrella for shade). Many establishments are part of the city’s social district, and concert attendees can grab a to-go adult beverage and bring it to the show.
Since 2002, 2 Stones Events has provided the live music portion of numerous Brighton festivals (Smokin’ Jazz & BBQ Blues, Country Americana, Taste or Brighton, Fine Arts & Acoustic Music); booked acts at establishments (Brighton Bar & Grill, Single Barrel Social, Bourbon’s, Buon Gusto, Downtown Main Martin Bar); and presented major acts at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts (Wynton Marsalis, Ramsey Lewis, Marty Stuart, George Winston).
The Stones were recently awarded the contract for Live at Millpond Park, a new series of live music featuring bands on Thursdays at The AMP and soloists near the fire pit on Main. This series, presented by Pulte Homes, is a initiative of the Downtown Development Authority and kicks off June 18 with the rock band Sponge.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
For many years, Brighton-based Lake Trust Credit Union has been the presenting sponsor of Turn Up The AMP! as part of its mission to support area events and initiatives that build stronger local connections. And, as in years past, a key component to the series is the Livingston County Hunger Council.
“Sadly, because Livingston is one of Michigan’s wealthiest counties, many people don’t realize food insecurity is very real and very serious here,” said Stone. “These concerts and food drives are a way for everyone to ‘feed the need’.”
In prior years, attendees were encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item. This summer, however, the LCHC agency will collect donations (cash and through the online donation platform Givebutter) and provide community resources. (Note: If one does bring a non-perishable food donation, it will gladly be accepted by Hunger Council staff at the event.)
According to Cathy Wormsbacher, operations supervisor for Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program and Western Oakland Meals on Wheels, the four concerts in 2025 generated $446 in monetary donations and 82 pounds of donated food. (One dollar provides 10 meals, and 1.2 pounds equals one meal.)
“We appreciate working with you on these events (it helps get our name out to the community, also),” said Wormsbacher. “Thank you for everything!!”
A food drive for the agency will also be part of Brighton Blues Bash! 2 on Sept. 13 at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. Other music events 2 Stones is producing this summer include Cleary University’s Summerfest; Milford’s Thursday Night Concerts; Camp Dearborn’s Summer Sounds; Michigan State Fair; and South Lyon Live! @ Pumpkinfest. The five-show series Ciao!Jazz at Ciao Amici’s Brighton restaurant will resume in November.
TURN UP THE AMP!
- Live music series, presented by Lake Trust Credit Union
- Four concerts — the second Wednesdays of June-September: Downriver Dan (June 10); Brett Lucas (July 8); George Bedard and the Kingpins (August 12); Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones (Sept. 9)
- Music from 7-8:30 p.m. at downtown Brighton’s Amphitheater on Millpond Park
- Free, family-friendly event — sit in the amphitheater’s seating or bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket (or, better yet, take-out from one of Brighton’s restaurants)
- Visit www.2StonesEvents.com for more information.
