Out to Lunch starts Thursday

IM concert series again will pair with Norway event on some acts

IRON MOUNTAIN -- The Out to Lunch program will launch its first concert of the summer Thursday, kicking off a 19th year of providing free entertainment in downtown Iron Mountain.

Grandma's Garden is the first individual concert sponsor this year for Thursday's appearance by Safe Sax ft. Michael Prusinsky.

"Safe Sax is historically one of the most-attended bands throughout the years," according to the OTL committee. "We are thrilled to have them start off the year for us, just like they did last year."

Mike Carr will keep things running smoothly as the OTL emcee, as in years past.

Out to Lunch will be 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on the Systems Control Stage near the Magee Johnson Park, located at Hughitt and Iron Mountain streets across from the Dickinson County Library.

"Last year was a different year for Out to Lunch, but we were still able to provide a great summer line up," said Amber Pipp, DDA program director. "This year, we are excited to be back in full swing and can't wait to start our program in June and are especially happy to be working with Music in the Park again."

Norway's Music in the Park also will be back this summer from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays in the city's Band Shell Park.

The OTL program will continue to follow all Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 guidelines for the safety of all volunteers, artists, and concert goers. They encourage social distancing despite the program being set outdoors. As always, some seating will be provided through the musical benches set around the park, but concert goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

This year, onsite food vendors will include Crispigna's, part of OTL since the beginning, who will once again provide classic Italian fare, as well as Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts, which will offer gluten-free and vegan options. In addition, Jean Kay's Pasties and Hearty Dogs & Catering will be available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches to the program as well or order from other downtown restaurants. 

This year's season sponsor for the OTL program is First National Bank & Trust. In addition, concerts each week are individually sponsored by a local business, whose generosity allows the bands that play each week to be attainable, and concerts to remain free to the public.

"Magee Johnson and Joan Flood started this program with a vision and belief in what it could be, and now it's grown into a top-notch entertainment program, and amazingly, it's still free," said Pat Nicometo, previous chairwoman to the OTL program. 

Out to Lunch and Music in the Park will feature three "double header" events this summer, including the opener Thursday and last concert of the season Aug. 12 as well as on July 8.

OTL this year will have a raffle; donations to the OTL program are appreciated.

The Braumart Theatre will be used for concerts when inclement weather threatens. Changes to the concert's location will be announced on the OTL Facebook page as well as on the radio. 

For more information about the Out to Lunch program, go online to www.DowntownIronMountain.com/Out-To-Lunch, or to the Out to Lunch Facebook page at facebook.com/ironmountainouttolunch. To volunteer, ask questions or donate to Out to Lunch, contact the DDA office at 906-774-8534 or by emailing events@downtownironmountain.com.