The 2025 season of the Out to Lunch summer concert series concluded on August 14 with an appearance by The DayDreamers, some perfect weather, and about 280 of our friends and neighbors at the Downtown Stage. It was a perfect finale to a stretch of 10 Thursdays that begun on June 12 with perennial favorite Flagship Romance all the way from Louisville, Kentucky. Some more Out to Lunch regulars also came back to perform this season, including Carolyn Jo & the Groove Show, Datura, 141 North, Kind of Blues Band, Mark Young & The Happy Enchiladas, and of course The DayDreamers. In addition, we had a few new acts join us this year, including The Make-Believe Spurs, The Pink Violin Band, and Black Pearl – all from the Ishpeming/Negaunee/Marquette area. They were all a hit with the audiences, which generally ranged from about 150 to 300 people every Thursday.
All of this was made possible through the generosity of businesses that sponsor Out to Lunch and the performances. First and foremost, the DDA would like to thank Upper Peninsula Audiology, with locations in Iron Mountain and Houghton, as the overall “Season Sponsor” the entire concert series. Their audiologists offer diagnostic hearing evaluations and the latest digital technology in a variety of hearing aid styles. All of the 10 concerts were also sponsored by local businesses, including Linnea & Kristine, Jim’s Music, Erickson Jewelers, Grede, Iron Mountain Area Tourism, Mouw & Celello, Blomquist Architects, First National Bank & Trust, 41 Lumber, and First Bank.
We also want to thank everyone who bought raffle tickets, along with Katie and Alyssa from Upper Peninsula Audiology for their help in selling tickets to the crowd. Each concert includes a 50/50 raffle with a nice cash prize, depending on how many tickets are sold. The raffle proceeds are combined with sponsorships to support the event. All proceeds go towards musicians, sound equipment, and a sound technician.
Last but not least were the food vendors who joined us for Out To Lunch this season. We tried a new format with different vendors every week, and all of them were also well-received by the crowds. Everyone loved Sugar Jets, Millie’s Market, Mama’s Mangia Mobile, Crispigna’s Italian Market, Curious Pig, Carlos Cantina, Beck’s Cheesecakes, Harmony Hearth Bakery, and the Northwoods Garden Club Strawberry Social. We want to see them all back in 2026!