The Downtown Development Authority kicks off its 23nd year of the Out to Lunch program from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursday at the Systems Control Stage on Iron Mountain Street, across from the Dickinson County Library. Upper Peninsula Audiology returns as the 10-week season sponsor.

“It’s the perfect midweek break to enjoy great music, sunshine and a welcoming atmosphere,” DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel said. “Each week features a different musical act sponsored by a wonderful local business.”

Opening the free outdoor summer concerts series is Flagship Romance of Kentucky, an alternative folk duo.

Married singer-songwriters Shawn Fisher and Jordyn Jackson are known for their vocal harmonies and dynamic live shows, Mentel said.

A YOUNG GIRL dances at an Out to Lunch concert in June 2023. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News file photo)

On June 10, Carolyn Jo of Spread Eagle, Wis., returns with The Groove Show to perform a soulful blend of Americana, rock and blues music.

“This seasoned group of musicians will take you on a journey through genres,” she said.

The guitar, violin and cello trio Datura, featuring Thomas Niebrydowski of the local area, will play June 26, offering classical Celtic,

Eastern European and other selections from around the world.

New to the stage is The Make-Believe Spurs on July 3 and The Pink Violin on July 10.

THE OPENING DAY crowd in 2022 to watch Safe Sax perform at Out to Lunch in downtown Iron Mountain. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News file photo)

A Marquette based-band, The Make-Believe Spurs draws inspiration from artists like Chris Stapleton, the Grateful Dead and Nathaniel Rateliff to offer the crowd high-energy, dance-worthy performances.

The father-daughter violin duo of Equador, formerly of Ishpeming, performs traditional Irish, ’70s folk, contemporary and original music. “They will be a fun addition to the line-up,” Mentel said.

On July 17, the area band 141 North brings a variety of country and rock hits to get the crowd moving.

Members of the band include Melanie Rose, Rob “Hoss” Hostettler, Brent Hostettler, Brian Whitens and Gerry Pirkola.

“They are a popular draw to OTL,” she said.

The U.P.-based Kind of Blues, composed of school educators, brings their energetic show July 24.

This talented group knows how to entertain — covering classics from B.B. King to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Mark Young and the Happy Enchiladas returns July 31 with their a mix of folk, rock, classic oldies, heavy metal and Woodstockian music.

OTL welcomes its third new group, The Black Pearls, on Aug. 7 to the downtown stage.

“They are a Marquette-based variety band that will play a lot of music that you want to get up and dance to,” Mentel said.

Closing out the 2025 summer season again will be the DayDreamers of the Marquette area Aug. 14.

For more than a decade, the variety rock band has entertained their audiences across the U.P.

Mentel noted this will be one of the group’s last performances, as they plan to disband at the end of August.

“You won’t want to miss it,” she said, adding they will also close out Music in the Park in Norway that evening.

Other bands also appearing in Norway the same day are Flagship Romance, Carolyn Jo & The Groove Show, The Make-Believe Spurs and Kind of Blues Band.

“We are excited to feature all the new and returning musicians,” Mentel said.

In a change this year, the DDA will host rotating food vendors each week for the OTL program, she said.

First will be new local food truck Sugar Jets, offering a large menu.

Following will be Millie’s Market for the June 19 event and Crispigna’s Italian Market with their specialty items on June 26.

Attendees can also enjoy takeout from nearby downtown restaurants, Mentel said.

The DDA will announce other upcoming vendors on the website and the Downtown Iron Mountain Facebook page.

They will conduct a raffle each week as well, with tickets available at the DDA table.

Iron Mountain Street in front of the stage will be closed to traffic each week during the concert.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and an umbrella for shade on hot days.

“Whether you’re downtown for work or visiting, Out to Lunch is filled with community and good vibes,” Mentel said. “We are very grateful for our OTL season sponsor Upper Peninsula Audiology, and all the concert sponsors.”

In case of inclement weather, concerts will take place in the Braumart, 106 E. B St. in Iron Mountain.

The DDA will post updates on its Facebook page and website the day of the event if the location changes.

More information is available at downtownironmountain.com/out-to-lunch.

———

Out to Lunch 2025

The schedule for the Thursday summer live music series —

— Thursday: Flagship Romance, sponsored by Linnea & Kristine;

— June 19: Carolyn Jo & The Groove Show, sponsored by Jim’s Music;

— June 26: Datura, sponsored by Erickson Jewelers;

— July 3: The Make-Believe Spurs, sponsored by Grede;

— July 10: The Pink Violin Band, sponsored by Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area;

— July 17: 141 North, sponsored by Mouw & Celello P.C.;

— July 24: Kind of Blues Band, sponsored by Blomquist Architects;

— July 31: Mark Young and The Happy Enchiladas, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust;

— Aug. 7: Black Pearl, sponsored by First Bank;

— Aug. 14: DayDreamers, sponsored by 41 Lumber.