Tucked in the heart of the artist-friendly village of Three Oaks, The Acorn is once again turning up the volume on regional talent with the return of its Midwest Made Summer Concert Series. Now in its fourth season, this summer tradition kicks off Sunday, June 29, bringing a fresh lineup of Midwest-grown musicians to one of the most distinctive music venues in all of Michigan’s Great Southwest.
Presented Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm ET—except for a special holiday weekend performance at Fernwood Botanical Garden—the series offers a showcase of authentic, original music from artists who call the Midwest home. From blues and bluegrass to folk, Americana, and genre-defying blends, each show highlights the rich musical diversity growing right in our own backyard.
“We’re thrilled to bring back the Midwest Made Summer Concert Series for another season,” said Nikki Gauthier, The Acorn’s Artistic & Creative Director. “It’s about celebrating the creativity rooted in this region—from familiar favorites to up-and-coming artists you’ll want to hear again.”
A Spotlight on Local and Regional Talent
The series kicks off on June 29 with the soulful sounds of Abbie Thomas, whose jazz- and blues-tinged style recalls the storytelling of classic ‘70s singer-songwriters. The following week, on July 6, The Acorn takes its show on the road to the scenic Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles for a special 5:00 pm performance by the crowd-pleasing Resurrection Blues Band—a group known for bringing high energy and tight musicianship to every set.
Returning to Three Oaks, the lineup continues with a diverse and dynamic mix of performers, including:
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Sadie Gustafson-Zook (July 13) – 2024 Acorn Singer-Songwriter Competition winner with vocals reminiscent of Joni Mitchell.
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Jack Whittle Trio (July 20) – A Northwest Indiana blues mainstay with deep musical roots.
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Shiny Shiny Black (July 27) – Alt-folk from Goshen, Indiana, led by a husband-wife duo.
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Help Hounds (August 3) – Americana/indie-folk with a wry, introspective lyrical style.
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Grace Theisen Trio (August 10) – A Kalamazoo native with a growing national presence in the Americana scene.
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Lake Effect Jazz Big Band (August 17) – A full-scale jazz ensemble delivering big sound and timeless classics.
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Watershed Ramblers (August 24) – Featured in a special Open Mic edition of the series, these Chesterton-based bluegrass players close the season with toe-tapping charm.
More Than a Concert—A Cultural Celebration
The Midwest Made series is more than just a string of Sunday shows—it’s a celebration of what makes our region special. Set in The Acorn’s uniquely intimate venue—a former factory-turned-performance space—the series brings audiences up close with musicians who are building their careers while staying true to their roots.
With more than 150 performances annually, The Acorn has built a reputation as a vital hub for the arts in Southwest Michigan, nurturing community connection through cultural programming. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, Midwest Made is the perfect entry point into The Acorn’s warm, eclectic atmosphere.
Plan Your Visit
Unless otherwise noted, all performances begin at 3:00 pm Eastern at The Acorn, located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks. The July 6 event featuring Resurrection Blues Band will take place at Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles at 5:00 pm.
Tickets and full event details are available at:
👉 acornlive.org/midwestmade
headline photo:
Abbie Thomas will open The Acorn’s Midwest Made Summer Concert Series
below:
Grace Theisen Trio will perform as part of The Acorn’s Midwest Made Summer Concert Series
