Meet Me By The Main Stage!

July 8, 2016

There’s a whole host of things to do at Gaylord’s Alpenfest, the annual summer celebration of the city’s Alpine heritage. The 52nd Alpenfest will run July 12–16 this year, with every day stuffed full of food, carnival rides and games. Not to be missed: the historic Alpenfest Grand Parade (July 16 at noon) and the transformation of the city’s Main Street into to the Alpenstrasse (July 13–16 10am–9pm), a bustling community market where more than 60 artists and craftsmen from around the U.S. sell their wares.

One of Alpenfest’s biggest highlights is its concert series on downtown’s main stage, where all shows are free with the purchase of an Alpenfest pin ($3). Here’s who’s performing:

1. BEGINNINGS: The Chicago Tribute Band

Wednesday, July 13, 8pm

Eight veteran musicians came together to explore the music of the rock band Chicago as a labor of love, but their ambitious collaboration caught on. Today, Beginnings is one of the best-known Chicago tribute bands in the nation. The group’s performances, complete with the full “Funky in the Middle” horn section, closely replicate Chicago’s original sound from their ’70s heyday and include tunes like “25 or 6 to 4,” “If You Leave Me Now” and “Just You and Me.” More information: beginningstributeband.com

2. THE COOKIES

Thursday, July 14, 8pm

Local favorites and Gaylord music success story The Cookies are one of the hottest groups in the region, thanks to their combo of Motown sounds and dance tunes that span from the ’60s to today. Jake Thomas, Richie V, Lexi Lou, and Jakey Baby are standout musicians who trade lead vocals and often change instruments between different songs; their collective efforts add piles of danceable energy to tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Bruno Mars’ “Treasure,” and ’70s-era singles like “Funky Town.” With a playlist like theirs, don’t be surprised if you can’t keep your feet still during their performance. More information: thecookiesband.com

3. SATISFACTION: The Rolling Stones Show

Friday, July 15, 8pm

These musicians work to embody the spirit and music of international rockers The Rolling Stones, performing over 150 shows a year in what’s said to be the most authentic cast and costuming of all Stones tribute shows. They’ve been featured on the news segment of CBS Sunday Morning and Rolling Stone magazine and for good reason: they groove through 50 years of the band’s original hits with absolute authenticity. The Rolling Stones themselves even have approved the band to perform, and director Martin Scorsese chose them to help promote Shine a Light, the Rolling Stones concert film. More information: rollingstoneshow.com

4. ALAN TURNER

Saturday, July 16, 8pm

Most often compared to Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw, country fans will love this performance by 2015 Inspirational Country Awards New Artist of the Year nominee Turner, who brings along his Steel Horse Band to charge up his audiences with highenergy country-rock music. He’s a popular touring act through both the U.S. and Canada, and he logged over 130 live shows last year alone. The self-proclaimed cowboy even has opened for Kenny Rogers — appropriate, considering Turner calls Rogers’ album The Gambler the inspiration for his country music career. More information: alanturnermusic.com

For more information on Alpenfest’s concerts and other events, visit gaylordalpenfest.com or call 989-732-6333.