Bluegrass with Bill Bynum at this week’s Gazebo Concert

Bill Bynum & Co. will be at the gazebo concert this Thursday evening.

Thursday, August 2, 7:30 pm at the gazebo–come and enjoy a band that’s as comfortable as old jeans and fresh as a new blade of grass. Bill Bynum & Co. is a band that’s easy to love and hard to quit. The band can lean into country, veer toward bluegrass, or take listeners on a unique journey through Bill’s original songs.

Although a Detroit native, with rock driving his early music career, Bill’s true musical roots are in the South. He grew up listening, along with his parents who hailed from from Black Oak, Arkansas, to artists like Johnny Cash and Buck Owens on Detroit’s country radio station, “The Big D.” But then in 1999, he turned on the radio and heard “Yours Forever Blue” by Steve Earle and the Del McCoury Band. From that moment on he found himself with a “nonstop desire to hear and play those songs.”

Soon, he started writing these songs as well. Bill is a first-prize winner in the Metro Detroit Songwriting Showcase for his song “Lovin’ You.” A true showman, Bill lives for the joy of entertaining his audience.

He’ll be joined by “& Co.” which includes a varied group of artists who play fiddle, dobro, bass, and steel guitar–and some of whom sing, too–that show up when they’re needed. It will be fun to see who appears on stage with Bill this week.

There are just two gazebo concerts left in this season. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of Manchester’s 30-year tradition this summer! These concerts are free, but we do “pass the basket” during intermission and you’re welcome to participate. If you come with empty pockets, don’t worry! You can donate from home online by visiting www.riverfolkarts.org, and using the “donate” button at the top of the page. No matter how much or how little, please know we appreciate your contributions!

Our gazebo concert season is generously sponsored by grants and donations from Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization, the Manchester Wellness Coalition, LaRock Dental, Jody Flowers–Edward Jones, and Klager PTO. We also wish to thank Tom Kladzyk for lighting the trees in Wurster Park this summer. This great touch has added a lot to this year’s concerts.

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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.