Catch these free concerts

SANDUSKY — This summerlong music festival features many powerhouse, wide-ranging acts in a scenic spot, likely appeasing any attendee. It's not Coachella. It's not Lollapalooza. Even better for locals on a budget: It's in Sandusky, and it's completely free. Kicking off Sunday, and now in its second straight year, three entities — Sandusky Recreation, the Lange Trust of Sandusky Library and Advantage Entertainment — partnered to bring back community concerts. No matter which of the dozen different shows, people can expect mega-musical sets and extensive entertainers to rock out at Jackson Street Pier. The trio recently unveiled performers. This would include those: • Specializing in all varying genres, which would include R&B, blues, rock 'n' roll and pop. • Mimicking well-known artists, such as Bruce Springsteen, the Backstreet Boys and One Direction • Appearing on national TV shows Encore, encore Overwhelming positive responses from attendees in 2021 convinced officials to bring back the series. This would include a show co-headlined by Living Colour and Hoobastank, which drew thousands of people to downtown. "Despite getting off to a late start last year, due to COVID, we were very happy with how the concerts turned out and had a good working relationship with Advantage Entertainment, who produced the concert series and secured the talent," city recreation superintendent Jason Werling said. "Through an agreement with the Lange Trust of the Sandusky Library, they, Advantage Entertainment, also produced the four Lange Trust-sponsored shows on the pier." It only makes sense to continue the pact, Werling said, for this series' benefit. "We look forward to the talent we can bring to the waterfront in 2022." The series' budget for 2022 totals $182,000. From this amount: • The Lange Trust contributes $50,000. • Local funds, coming from an account funded through taxes paid by those staying in transient rental property, will cover the $132,000 balance. This then ensures "the concerts are free and open to the public," Werling said. "When the city renovated the Jackson Street Pier, a big component of the redesign was to make sure it was regularly programmed with activities and events for our residents and visitors," he added. "We look forward to providing free events, including our Movies by the Bay series and a Fourth of July Firelands Symphony Orchestra Concert, throughout the summer for our residents to enjoy on our beautiful waterfront." Lange Trust-sponsored events (all events take place at 7:30 p.m.) • Sunday, June 19 – The Drifters One of rock 'n' roll's founding vocal groups is once a gain touring the U.S. under the auspices of its original management team. It's the first African American vocal group to be inducted in the first class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Memorable hits include "Under the Boardwalk," "Up on the Roof," "This Magic Moment," "There Goes My Baby," "Stand by Me" and many others. • Tuesday, July 19 — The Boy Band Review This exciting tribute show brings a stage full of lights, video, dynamic choreography, the great harmonies and energy of groups such as *NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, One Direction, Boyz II Men, New Kids on the Block, Hanson and the Jonas Brothers. • Friday, Aug. 19 — Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies This Bayou Man, Mister Mojo and his troupe of near-mad musical provocateurs pour Louisiana Fire on audiences. Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies perform all original Louisiana music certified by the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. The music reflects the Louisiana Zydeco, Cajun, and New Orleans two-steps, rock 'n' roll, and blues rhythms. Mojo combines styles in a gleeful gumbo he calls "red hot mojo music". • Saturday, Sept. 10 — Bruce in the USA This high-energy, note-perfect group brings a visually accurate musical experience of a Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band show. Matt Ryan, from the world-famous "Legends in Concert" cast on the Las Vegas Strip, plays Springsteen with great success. Party at the Pier concerts (all events take place at 7 p.m.) • Thursday, June 30 — The Menus • Thursday, July 7 — Red Corvette – Prince Tribute • Wednesday, July 13 — Sugarhill Gang and Mele Mel and Scorpio from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 • Thursday, July 28 — Rumours (Fleetwood Mac Tribute) &sbquo;• Thursday, Aug. 4 — The Vindys • Thursday, Aug. 11 — Lt. Dan's New Legs • Thursday, Aug. 25 — An acoustic evening with Crystal Bowersox and Emily Keener • Thursday, Sept. 1 — The Family Tradition Band