Royal Oak Summer Concerts Return: Here's Who Is Playing

ROYAL OAK, MI — After a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, free summer concerts in downtown Royal Oak returned Thursday.

The Indie Folk Rock Band, Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, highlighted the series' first show when they took the stage at 8:30pm on Center Street, between third and fourth streets.

The free pop-up concerts will continue on Center Street each Thursday evening through Aug. 25. The event is now produced by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, taking over from the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts.

The concert is also within the downtown’s social district where adults can buy alcoholic drinks to bring back to the concert.

Sixteen bars and restaurants will take part in the social district, including Motor City Gas, Pronto and Gusoline Alley, which is on Center Street where the concerts are held. A full list of participating bars and restaurants is on the chamber’s website at royaloakchamber.com/summer-concert-series.

Here's the concert lineup:

July 28

7 p.m. - Grooving Violation

8:30 p.m. Sean Blackman's In Transit featuring James Wallin and Dave McMurray

Aug. 4

7 p.m. Motor City Josh and The Big Three

8:30 p.m. Thornetta Davis

Aug. 11

7 p.m. Dave Hamilton Band

8:30 p.m. Ben Sharkey

Aug. 18

7 p.m. Melissa Behring and The Trustees

8:30 p.m. Nick Kuhl and The Gang

Aug. 25

7 p.m. The Detroit Retro Society with special guest Brian Vander Ark from The Verve Pipe