Children, Parents Flock to Kellogg Park for Family Concert

A crowd of young music fans became the stars Wednesday at as they took the stage to sing and dance along with Guy Louis and the Chautauqua Express.

At least 2,500 attendees took advantage of ideal weather conditions to attend the weekly Music in the Parks concert series, now in its 27th year. The series' season kicked off last week with Josh White Jr. 

Louis, armed with his guitar, guided children, parents and grandparents through favorites such as the Beatles' "Twist and Shout," the Monkees' "I'm a Believer" and the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine," among others.

He invited the children to join him on the stage to dance and perform tricks for the large crowd. 

Leah Haas of Dearborn and her son, Aidan, 4, attended their first concert of the year Wednesday, but said they have come during previous years.

Aidan said his favorite part of the concert was "dancing on the sidewalk" to the Beatles' "Twist and Shout" while Leah appreciated Louis' interpretation of Ricky Nelson's "Garden Party."

Afterwards, Louis, who said he's been performing in Plymouth for 20 years, said it was "just a perfect day."

He said Plymouth and Kellogg Park are "just a great park and great community with great support and friendships."

Louis credited the Plymouth Community Arts Council as being "one of the best in the state."

He said it was an early performance two decades ago in Plymouth when he decided to focus his career on family concerts. He now performs throughout Michigan and surrounding states and his music is a fixture at school events.

Louis returns to the park Aug. 17 for an encore performance for Music in the Park.

Debra Madonna, president of the Plymouth Community Arts Council, said Louis is a perennial favorite at the park. 

"He comes twice a year and people love it," she said.

She credited the warm weather for the strong turnout.

"This is perfect," she said. "Blue skies, sunshine."

Next week, Musica Batteria comes to Kellogg Park. All concerts start at noon on Wednesdays. If there is rain, the concert will be in the Gathering adjacent to Kellogg Park.