On Friday and Saturday nights this summer and into fall, the Commons Live Music Series fills Main Street with energy. Crystal Gwizdala
Stone Street Revival played Aug. 5. Their band blends guitar, keyboard, horns, flute, percussion and pitch-perfect harmony to create spot-on covers. Crystal Gwizdala
Scott VanDell has been playing guitar since the ‘80s. Crystal Gwizdala
Hit songs such as “Build Me Up Buttercup,” “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Grows,” and “Walking on Sunshine” inspired dancers. Crystal Gwizdala
The Commons Live Music series draws a large crowd to the Pedestrian Plaza stage, located at the intersection of McDonald and Main Street. Crystal Gwizdala
Ricky Nalett (L) and Kay Rinker O’Neil (R) play with intensity. Crystal Gwizdala
Donny Brown beats the drum and sings vocals from the back. He’s been performing for nearly 40 years. Crystal Gwizdala
SSR had dancers “Hooked on a Feeling.” Crystal Gwizdala
Even cookies were “Dancing in the Street.” Crystal Gwizdala
For the two hours SSR played, they maintained a lively atmosphere. Crystal Gwizdala
The crowd oozed energy. Crystal Gwizdala
Throughout the night, guitarist Scott VanDell switched up his instrument. Crystal Gwizdala
Enthusiasm reverberated throughout the plaza. Crystal Gwizdala
Jeffrey ‘Louie’ Walikangas plays bass and sings vocals. He’s been performing for 50 years. Crystal Gwizdala
Upbeat, hit songs kept dancers animated throughout the night. A few slow songs drew couples together. Crystal Gwizdala
Dan Smith plays saxophone. Alongside him are George Bork on trombone and John Rickert on trumpet. Crystal Gwizdala
Stone Street Revival (SSR) has earned loyal fans. You can learn more about the band at stonestreetrevival.com. Crystal Gwizdala
Jim Fulkerson owns Fulkerson Music Instruction on Main Street. In 2003, he started the Resonators Percussion Ensemble. Crystal Gwizdala
Families felt free to dance to the lively tunes. Crystal Gwizdala
Kay Rinker O’Neil plays flute and guitar and sings vocals. She’s been playing music since she was 5 years old. Crystal Gwizdala
Beyond the stage, the night scene is abuzz. Downtown restaurants offer outdoor seating where diners can enjoy a locally-made delight. Crystal Gwizdala
For the cool nights, warm up by one of the fires downtown. Crystal Gwizdala
Three Bridges Distillery has a wide-open entrance for people to easily funnel in from the street. Crystal Gwizdala
How could you resist a game of cornhole on Main Street? Children’s playscapes and additional seating line the street, too. Crystal Gwizdala
The Commons creates a space where people are free to relax, meet up, and share a drink. Crystal Gwizdala
By 11 p.m., dancers and families were packing up their chairs for the night. Crystal Gwizdala
The Commons Live Music Series continues through Oct. 1. Crystal Gwizdala
The Commons Live Music Series happens every Friday and Saturday night in downtown Midland through Oct. 1. Most performances run from 7-9 p.m., but there are some exceptions. To see the lineup, go to
https://downtownmidland.com/the-commons-live-music-schedule/.
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Crystal Gwizdala is a freelance writer with a focus on health and science. As a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities, she loves sharing how our communities are overcoming challenges. Crystal is also a serial hobbyist — her interests range from hiking or drawing to figuring out how to do a handstand. Her work can be seen in Wide Open Eats, The Xylom, Woman & Home, and The Detroit Free Press. To see what Crystal’s up to, you can follow her on Twitter @CrystalGwizdala.