Downtown Midland will be hosting live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Every Thursday this summer at the city’s annual “Tunes by the Tridge.”

Music ranges from jazz, classic rock and country, an Elvis and Roy Orbison impersonator and everything in between.

Local artists will also be displaying their crafts on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market

People who see the weekly shows can also check out the artist craft tables, said Tony Kulick, the Midland Downtown Development Authority director.

Marcie Post, the recreation manager for Midland’s Parks and Recreation department, said there is a large mix of acts this year. Post was in charge of booking bands and tried to maintain many genres of music.

“Variety is the big thing,” Post said. “I like to do a little bit of everything.”

Acts include the Livingstones, a Christian rock band from Midland on July 2, Steel Wheels from Essexville July 30, and a battle of the bands Aug. 6 organized by The Rock Youth Center, 2300 E. Gordonville Road. Matt King, the Elvis and Roy Orbison impersonator, will perform July 9.

Kulick said the annual festival has been going on for several years. Organization for this year’s events began in January, he said.

Bands were chosen through Rusch Entertainment, a booking agency from Saginaw, word of mouth and by bands contacting the organizers, Post said.

She is excited to see King perform she said, because of his unique set.

A large variety of music is a great way to bring people downtown, Kulick said.

“We try to provide entertainment for all,” he said. “The venue down by the Tridge is a lovely location (for) families or individuals. A lot of people come, stake out their turf and see what the artists have.”

Kulick said the popularity of the bands will also bring people to the shows.

“Several bands have a fairly large following (already),” he said.

Alcohol is not allowed, Post said, but coolers, other beverages, food and snacks are welcome.

Food vendors will be located downtown for the festivities, Kulick said. Past vendors include ice cream, kettle corn, cider slurpees and Popsicles, he said. Restaurants and downtown businesses also stay open late on Thursdays, he said.

Popular night time destinations in downtown Midland include Pizza Sam’s, 102 W. Main St., Espresso Milano at 137 E. Ashman St., and Oscar’s Restaurant and Entertainment, 140 E. Main St.

More information about “Tunes by the Tridge” can be found at downtownmidland.com.

lifeline@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Hilary Farrell