Great Escape: Enjoy Live Music in the Park

It's finally getting warmer out, and that means getting outside and enjoying live music all summer long.

Concert series bring music outdoors in Farmington and Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills’ Stars in the Park free summer concert series kicks off June 23 at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Farmington Community Band. More than 65 of the band’s members will be present to perform popular and classical music selections. The city’s concert series will take place at Heritage Park, where guests are encouraged to make an evening out of it by bringing along a picnic meal and chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts may be relocated to the Costick Activities Center.

Stars in the Park performances will take place on Thursdays through August 25 and will include such musical guests as Five Guys Named Moe, Stewart Francke and Metro Jazz Voices take the stage. The season will wrap with a performance by the Farmington Community Chorus.

On Friday nights, head to downtown Farmington for Rhythmz in Riley Park, an outdoor concert series held in the Walter E. Sundquist Community Pavilion and Riley Park. This eclectic mix of Michigan talent includes pop, country, folk, jazz, big band – something for everyone. Enjoy Annabelle Road Friday night, and next week come back to hear the Luddites. A full schedule is online at downtownfarmington.org

Battle of the Bands kicks off Shain Park series

Birmingham’s will play host to a free concert series this summer that kicks off today with a featuring local high school musicians. The concert runs from 7-10 p.m.

Summer concerts will take place Wednesday evenings after that, featuring everything from contemporary pop to bluegrass and jazz. In fact, pack a picnic basket and grab some lawn chairs to enjoy the sounds of the Birmingham Concert Band June 22, followed by the Jazz Ambassadors June 29. For a complete lineup, check out the Birmingham Summer Concert Series schedule website. Looks like rain? Dont forget to call the city's concert hotline at 248-530-1650 to see if any concerts are canceled due to weather.

Newly renovated Marshbank Park to host West Bloomfield summer concerts

West Bloomfield Township Parks and Recreation is putting on its own summer concert series. Things kicked off July 23 night with Toppermost, a Beatles tribute band, who will perform at the newly renovated Marshbank Park. Concerts will continue July 20 with the Gratitude Steel Band and July 27 with Groove Council.

Concert attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic meal, and refreshments will also be sold at the event. Different musical genres will be represented during the series, including reggae, jazz and Motown sounds.

What are your favorite outdoor summer concerts?