Coming out from "Underground"

Jennifer Westwood and Dylan Dunbar wowed audiences at the Manchester Underground concert last Saturday.

Manchester Underground has brought numerous locally-renowned artists and those from farther afield, to the cozy basement of the Manchester Mill over the last year and a half, but with social distancing and other restrictions on indoor activities, they found a new way to bring live music to Manchester.

On Saturday night, more than 75 people enjoyed an outdoor concert at a new venue along the riverbank--the pavilion in River Raisin Park.

Jennifer Westwood and Dylan Dunbar headlined, bringing "Rock and Roll with a Honky Tonk Soul from Detroit, Michigan" to downtown Manchester. It was the duo's first time performing for a live audience since January, and everyone could tell how much they enjoyed the energy of an in-person concert. Manchester's own Juston Brady led in for Westwood & Dunbar, with a soulful rock sound gathered from his experiences in several local bands.

The organizers thanked the village council for approving the concert, the DuRussel family for the great accommodations at the park, and the audience for respecting social distance recommendations. The weather was due a nod, as well, with beautiful sunset over the river bringing the concert to a close.

An appropriately-distanced crowd sprinkled throughout the park.

Home-grown Juston Brady opened the River Raisin Park's inaugural outdoor concert.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.