Lighting Matches brings spark to Felt stage

The stage at the Felt Estate Carriage House burst back to life for the free Felt Estate Summer Concert Series performance on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after a week’s break due to poor air quality.

Lighting Matches, an alternative-rock band based in Grand Rapids, welcomed back the musical series that raises funds for the Felt Mansion, 6597 138^th Ave., while thanking the community for its continued support of renovations of the historic site in Laketown Township.

All funds raised through donations and beverage purchases go to the exterior restoration of the mansion.

The next concert is on Tuesday, July 28. Zion Lion was rescheduled from earlier in the month due to the environmental conditions from Canadian wildfires. The group performs a mix of reggae, African zouk, mucosa, soukous and Afro-Latin influences.

The concert series wraps up Thursday, July 30 with Kari Lynch who brings a unique blend of Americana, pop-rock, alternative and singer-songwriter influences.

About the shows

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Food and drink service begins at 6 p.m. Music begins at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.feltmansion.org/current-events

No outside alcohol is allowed at the concerts but outside food and sealed beverage containers are permitted. Coolers and bags will be checked. No pets except registered service dogs.

Beer and wine are for sale by Michigan Wine Company and Saugatuck Brewing Company. Food is available from Tarriko Taqueira and Dave’s Dogs. Free ice cream is given out by Gibson Church.

Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

In case of inclement weather, cancellation will be announced by 5 p.m. via email and website www.feltmansion.org/current-events.

A $5 premium parking option close to the venue is available. Free parking is still available by the Felt Mansion solar array and at Shore Acres Park.

The mansion will be open for free self-guided tours during the shows with donations appreciated. Doors open at 5 p.m. for free tours.

About the mansion

Construction on the mansion began in 1925 by Dorr Felt, inventor of the Comptometer, the first machine that could do all four math functions — add, subtract, multiply and divide. The building was finished in 1928.

Felt’s wife, Agnes, died in 1928, six weeks after the house was complete. Dorr died two years later.

The property went on to serve as a minor seminary for the Augustinian order (attended by Pope Leo XIV), a state prison, and a Michigan State Police post before the property was purchased by Laketown Township.

Today, following years of restoration by the Friends of the Felt Estate, the mansion is a top cultural, educational, and event destination, welcoming thousands of visitors annually.