Kanivers on July 6
The Kanivers. They may be a relatively new band, but the voices and musical talents of its members are very familiar to folks who love all the varied facets of the Blues.
Area residents have an opportunity to re-acquaint themselves with the band and its new name when The Kanivers perform July 6 at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. Music begins at 7 p.m. at the weekly Concert in the Park series. There is no admission charge.
“All but one of the Kanivers have been associated with the classic rock band Flashback, either as band members or providing the sound reinforcement for summer concerts at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell,” says Rusty Benmark, guitarist and vocalist with the band. “We always thoroughly enjoy these shows and are very comfortable with the audience and the venue.”
Other members of the group that formed late last year include Melissa Ingells, keyboards, vocals and percussion; Al “Alwood Blues” Matthews, guitar and vocals; Rick Chandler, bass and vocals; and Steven Jackson, drummer.
Each individual brings a wealth of experience to The Kanivers, having played with multiple bands in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing and elsewhere around the state.
“We play Blues, Blues Rock, R&B, Swing – our mission is to expose our audiences to the full range of styles within the Blues genre, with special emphasis on preserving the authentic feel,” Benmark says. “Our arrangements are designed to create ‘space’ within the music that allows listeners to experience the interplay of all of the instruments and vocals in the mix.”
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the city of St. Johns, with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, Dr. Robert and Jan Meyers are being recognized at the July 6 concert for their financial support of the Arts Council and the summer music series.
Concerts are held each Wednesday evening, beginning at 7 p.m., in the beautiful outdoor concert venue at the St. Johns City Park, located near Park and Morton streets. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand each week that offers light refreshments. All concerts are held rain or shine.
For information on Concert in the Park call the Clinton County Arts Council, (989) 224-2429.