Carlos Jones Concert, Summer Meltdown Highlight Big Weekend in Downtown Lakewood

Photos by Alex Belisle/Faces of Lakewood

LakewoodAlive Hosts Pair of Community Events During Weekend of July 7-8

If you’re seeking a fun-filled weekend of free community events in Downtown Lakewood, then you’ve come to the right place.

LakewoodAlive kicks off its 2017 events season by hosting a “double-header” during the weekend of July 7-8. Local reggae star Carlos Jones takes the stage at Lakewood Public Library at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 7, to start the 2017 Front Porch Concert Series. The fun continues on Saturday, July 8, when the Lakewood Summer Meltdown takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. in Downtown Lakewood.

The Front Porch Concert Series, sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James, features free, live music on the front porch of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue) in Downtown Lakewood from 7 to 9 p.m. for 11 consecutive Fridays. The series, which aims to provide a family-friendly summer entertainment option, runs through September 15.

Week 1 of the series brings to the stage Carlos Jones, a key figure within the Cleveland reggae scene for nearly 40 years. Specializing in a brand of roots reggae first popularized by Bob Marley, he has toured extensively for decades, gaining a large and loyal following of reggae enthusiasts. Visit LakewoodAlive.org/FrontPorchConcerts to learn more.

The Summer Meltdown, sponsored by Melt Bar & Grilled, serves as one of the region’s most anticipated street parties, drawing attendees from across Northeast Ohio to the heart of our city. This celebration of summer takes place in Downtown Lakewood between Marlowe and Elmwood Avenues.

A “something for everyone” event, the Summer Meltdown offers seemingly endless recreation and celebration opportunities, including a 5K race, 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, bike raffle, street festival, beer garden, live music, food vendors, outdoor activities and more. Visit LakewoodAlive.org/Meltdown to learn more.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this action-packed weekend, and grateful to the many incredible volunteers and sponsors who help make our community events possible,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive. “Our Front Porch Concert Series and Lakewood Summer Meltdown both showcase a level of community vibrancy that’s quintessential Lakewood.”

The Front Porch Concert Series is generously supported by the following sponsors:

Title Sponsor:
Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James

Encore Sponsors:
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture | Lakewood Public Library

Harmony Sponsors:
City of Lakewood | Cleveland Clinic Lakewood | Cox Communications | Lion and Blue | Vance Music Studios

The Lakewood Summer Meltdown is generously supported by the following sponsors:

Title Sponsor:
Melt Bar and Grilled

Platinum Sponsor:
PrimeLending

Meltdown 5K Sponsor:
Cleveland Clinic Lakewood

Beer Garden & Gold Medal Sponsor:
First Federal Lakewood

Gold Medal Sponsors:
City of Lakewood | Beat Cycles | Cuyahoga Community College | Geiger’s | Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation and Education Department

1 Mile Kids Fun Run Sponsor:
Lakewood Family YMCA

Table Sponsor:
Eric Lowrey, Berkshire Hathaway/Lucien Realty

Beer Garden Stage Sponsor:
The Ferry Cap and Set Screw Company

Silver Medal Sponsors:
Cox Communications | Lakewood Urgent Care | Peace Racing | West Side Skates

Bronze Medal Sponsors:
Ride + Workout | 2nd Sole | The Lakewood Citizen | Window Universe