By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published May 22, 2023
UTICA — Utica’s Weekend Unwind Friday night concert series will be returning to downtown Utica starting June 2.
Utica mayor Gus Calandrino said residents and neighbors have grown to love the Weekend Unwind summer music series in Memorial Park.
“It’s great to see friends and neighbors enjoying great music at our beautiful park along the Clinton River. Stick around to the end and enjoy the fireworks display every Friday night directly across from Memorial Park. The fireworks are courtesy of Jimmy John’s Field,” he said.
He said this year Weekend Unwind has added some new excitement with six bands who have never performed at the concert series before.
“The series kicks off at 7 p.m. on June 2 with one of the artists new to our series, Weekend Comeback. Their setlist includes hits from the 80s, 90s and more. Come enjoy the new bands as well as some favorites from past years,” Calandrino said via email.
Other performers new to Weekend Unwind this year include The Pulse, Don Puglisi, Collin Sylvester, The Geri’s and Detroit Social Club. Returning bands include American Ages Band, DC Marx, Classic Maniacs and Acoustic Madness.
Lori Cooke, the Utica city clerk, said that the city is excited to bring Weekend Unwind back for 2023.
“Mayor Calandrino has put together a great lineup this year for 15 weeks of Friday fun (weather permitting). Beginning June 2, we invite music lovers to join us at Memorial Park from 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday evening for live performances. Bring chairs, a cooler and your friends,” she said in an email.
Admission is free. The concerts will continue every Friday through Sept. 8. The park is adjacent to the Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road.