Zion Lion concert at Felt rescheduled for July 28

Lighting Matches performing Thursday, July 23.

Myra Atkinson of the band Zion Lion of Kalamazoo performs at the Felt Summer Concert Series in Laketown Township on July 11, 2024, at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave.

The free Felt Estate Summer Concert Series performance cancelled last week due to air quality has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Zion Lion will perform its mix of reggae, African zouk, mucosa, soukous and Afro-Latin influences on the Carriage House stage, 6597 138th Ave. in Laketown Township.

The free concerts are regularly every Thursday in July. 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

Lighting Matches on stage at the Felt Estate Summer Concert Series on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the estate, 6597 138th Ave. The band, from left, is Rachel White, Matt Plessner, Scott Garrison and Mark Jilbert.

This week’s concert

This week’s concert is Lighting Matches on July 23.

Lighting Matches is an alternative-rock band based in Grand Rapids.

Fronted by Matt Plessner and Rachel White, and backed by the Mark Jilbert and Scott Garrison, the group’s music displays thought-provoking lyrics and tight harmonies, according to the group’s website.

“That’s our professional bio, at least,” the band said on the site. “If you get to know us, though, you’ll discover that we’re just awkward, funny, friendly people who love playing music and sharing it with anyone who would like to listen.”

Rachel White, front, and Scott Garrison of Lighting Matches perform at the Felt Estate Summer Concert Series on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the estate, 6597 138th Ave.

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

About the shows

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.

The Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave.

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.