Billy Mack Closes Out Dexter's Summer Concert Series

The sounds of 1950s rockabilly will ignite Monument Park in Dexter today as Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies take to the stage to conclude the village's 10-week summer concert series. Performing classic hits as well as original music, the band will entertain concertgoers beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies don't just play music, they put on a show, and their energy level is out of control. This band has the innate ability to include the crowd in this entertainment frenzy,” John Johnson of Chelsea said on the band's website.

Keeping crowds energized is just what the summer concert series is about, event coordinator Joe Nowak said.

“The summer concert series is a great avenue for families to get out and spend an evening with their neighbors in a comfortable setting,” he said. “It’s like one big family picnic every Friday.”

Mack said he is looking forward to performing in Dexter again.

“This is great because you have the kids of all ages coming,” he said.

Now in it’s fourth year, Nowak said the series, which is organized by the , attracts decent crowds every year.

“Turnout this year has been great,” he said. “We had a few nights where the crowds were thin, but that can be attributed to summer vacations and the recent influx of mosquitoes we seem to be dealing with in Washtenaw County.”

From a and a kid’s songs duo to country and classical music, Nowak said this year’s entertainment line-up had something for everyone.

“We’ve gotten no negative feedback and the diversity of groups was especially pleasing,” he said. “It helps to offer a wide range of music to draw in folks with different tastes.”

One of the more popular acts every year is the , he said.

“The orchestra performance is something a lot of people look forward to, so we’ve invited them back every summer,” Nowak said.

The diversity also attracts potential customers for local businesses, too.

“We have a great relationship with Dexter businesses, who enjoy the extra exposure in exchange for sponsoring a band,” Nowak said. “This year our call for sponsorships was answered quickly. That makes me happy.”

The series also got a big boost of support from the Dexter Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, who donated funds to supply portable toilets in the park every Friday.

“In the past, we didn’t have public bathroom facilities readily available, so it was a hindrance,” Nowak said. “We’re very thankful for the support from the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.”

While there are no plans to expand on the series next year, Nowak said he promises to deliver another diverse line-up of talent.

“I think what we’re doing now seems to fit well with the community,” he said. “If we do expand, it might be adding more food vendors.”

For more information on the summer concert series, visit the chamber's website.