Celebrate Summer in Metro-Detroit’s Backyard!
Our free outdoor summer series returns, this time with a patriotic theme that honors America’s 250th Anniversary. These diverse performances represent different aspects of the music that moves us, combining in a showcase that is uniquely American. Each concert is free, but registration is required, and VIP tickets on our private balcony are available for purchase to support the show.
Bring your blanket and chairs and we’ll provide the fun. We can’t wait to spend the best Wednesday nights of the year with you, here on the lake.
“The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits….The blues are the roots of all American music. As long as American music survives, so will the blues.” – Willie Dixon (1970)
Closing Out Our SummerFest Concert Series!
For our final concert of the series, we celebrate the blues, a genre that holds the distinction of being perhaps America’s greatest cultural gift to the world, serving as the foundation of jazz, r&b and rock’n’roll music. Who better to showcase this uniquely American sound than Detroit’s own Queen of the Blues? Join us on August 12th as we welcome back Thornetta Davis for another incredible performance on our lakefront lawn.
Your Evening
6:00pm: Grounds Open for seating, Food Stand & Bar Opens for Service
7:30pm: Concert Begins
9:00pm: Concert Concludes
No summer festival would be complete without awesome eats, and SummerFest features a mouth-watering menu from The War Memorial’s own hospitality team, led by Chef Joe Paxton, delivering our own spin on classic Americana.
VIP Tickets Available
While SummerFest concerts are completely free to the public, you can support The War Memorial’s commitment to providing low-cost family friendly programming by purchasing a VIP ticket! VIP tickets are only $45 each and include reserved seating on the Alger Center balcony, padded chairs, a private bar, and a complimentary beverage. We appreciate your support!
General Admission is free and open to all — registration is required.
This event is free and open to all. In the spirit of accessibility and community support, we’ve introduced a “Pay What You Wish” option. While there is no cost to attend, your contribution—of any amount—helps offset the expenses of this program and supports future community offerings at The War Memorial. Thank you for helping us continue to provide enriching experiences for everyone.
Please note, while picnics, picnic blankets and chairs are welcome, no outside beverages are permitted.
About Thornetta Davis
International singer, songwriter and Independent recording artist, was awarded by the Detroit Blues Society “Living Lifetime Achievement Award” and awarded a star on the Canada South Blues Museum “Walk of Fame”. In 2015 Thornetta was crowned “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues” in a ceremony by the Detroit Blues Society, with proclamations from the City of Detroit, County of Wayne and the State of Michigan.
Thornetta has performed with and opened for Bob Seger, Blues Legends such as B.B. King, Sir Mac Rice, Ray Charles, Etta James, KoKo Taylor, Johnny Johnson, Bonnie Raitt and more. Thornetta released her first solo album SUNDAY MORNING MUSIC in 1996 on the label Subpop featuring the late keyboardist Eddie Harsh from the Black Crowes, Big Chief.