It may be several more months until downtown Brighton’s Streetscape Project is completed, but the amphitheater 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 14.
“We began doing these concerts 10 years ago, but this year is probably the most important one,” said Cal Stone, who along with his wife, Whitney, operates 2 Stones Events. “Brighton has a great downtown, and it’s going to be even better when this renovation is finished. But, until then, our retailers need customers now, and our restaurants need diners now. These concerts are a great reason to come downtown and support our businesses.”
The music begins at 7 p.m., well after construction has stopped for the day, and ends at 8:30 p.m.
While Main Street is closed to thru traffic from Grand River Avenue to First Street, Brighton’s Amphitheater on Mill Pond (aka The AMP) is unaffected by the current project as it was overhauled in 2018. 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.
2 Stones Events began presenting concerts at the amphitheater in 2013 as the Jazz @ The Pond series, and began including other genres in 2021.
“We love jazz — we’ve been fortunate enough to handle the music for the chamber’s Smokin’ festival for many years now — but we also dig rock, Americana, country…whatever,” said Stone. “If it’s good music, we’re in!”
The 2023 Turn Up The AMP! Series features The Sugarees, June 14; Barelyon, July 12; Motor City Josh & The Big Three, Aug. 9; and The Steve Taylor Three, Sept. 13.
“Steve’s trio was supposed to open this series last year, but we got rained out,” said Stone. “We wanted to make sure we got him on board this summer. They just won a Detroit Music Award (Outstanding Country Recording), as did Motor City Josh (Outstanding Blues Artist/Group). In fact, all of the musicians in this series are top-shelf.”
The husband-and-wife Stone team has also been tapped by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce’s newest event – Yellowstone Country Music Festival on July 22 at Mt. Brighton.
Community partners
For several 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 a food drive for 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’.”
Attendees are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item – especially canned vegetables and canned meats – and monetary donations will be gladly accepted as well. Even with one rain-out, the 2022 Turn Up The AMP! series was another success.
“Thank you for continuing to allow us to inform others about what we do and give the community a chance to give back,” said Bridget Brown, director of Food Secure Livingston. “This year, $445 and 562 pounds was collected to help our mission throughout the summer. Together, this has provided 1,800 meals throughout Livingston County. That’s FANTASTIC and extremely appreciated.
“We’re seeing a substantial increase in participation across our food network and with costs rising, support like this makes a difference! Again, thank you for continuing to be our advocate and keep fighting hunger in our community!”
Details
- Turn Up The AMP! series, presented by Lake Trust Credit Union
- Four concerts — the second Wednesdays of June, July, August and September
- Music from 7-8:30 p.m. at downtown Brighton’s Amphitheater on Mill Pond
- 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.
