Delta County isn’t just a scenic stop in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s where live music feels like part of daily life. From brass bands in Ludington Park to acoustic sets in downtown Escanaba venues, music plays year-round and brings people together.

Rooted in Escanaba’s history as a bustling port town, the area’s sound has been shaped by generations of musicians, community pride and a deep love for live performance, whether it’s lakeside, in a winery or on a historic stage.

To see what’s playing next, check out the Delta County live music calendar.

A Legacy of Sound: Music History in the U.P.

Delta County’s music story began with the ships that first docked in Escanaba’s harbor. Like other port cities around the world, vessels brought not just goods, but also people, stories and melodies. Over time, those influences blended into something uniquely local, a sound rooted in folk, classical, polka, swing and eventually, rock and roll.

Escanaba’s Historical Bands & Bandleaders

Founded in 1926, the Escanaba City Band is the oldest musical institution in the city. Its free Wednesday night concerts at Ludington Park are a cherished summer tradition, showcasing local talent of all ages. The band also performs in parades along Ludington Street and at community celebrations throughout the season.

The Ivan Kobasic Orchestra, formed in the 1940s, helped define Escanaba’s big band era. Ivan and his wife, Mim, performed across the Upper Peninsula for decades, bringing elegance and swing to local dance halls. Today, their legacy continues through their grandson, Mark Ammel, an arts advocate and current mayor of Escanaba.

The Chet Marrier Orchestra was another beloved ensemble, with roots in WDBC radio. Chet Marrier’s live radio broadcasts in the 1930s are believed to be Escanaba’s earliest known music recordings. His music store, Marrier Music, was the city’s first record shop and helped many local musicians find their first instruments.

Frank Karas, a violinist and conductor, led the Delft Theatre’s silent film orchestra in the early 1900s. As a teacher and mentor, he inspired generations of young musicians. His students later built the Frank Karas Memorial Bandshell in Ludington Park in his honor, a stage that remains central to the city’s music scene today.

In the 1960s, Riot Squad became Escanaba’s first rock and roll band. Influenced by The Beatles, they started by playing high school dances and eventually performed thousands of shows across Delta County. Known for their rich harmonies and longevity, the band evolved through names like Rocking Chair, The Reunion Band and The Cadillacs, remaining active for more than four decades.

Venues That Keep the Music Alive in Delta County

Live music in Delta County thrives not just because of the performers, but because of the iconic venues that keep the tradition going. From lakeside stages to historic theaters, these spaces are where the community gathers to hear everything from brass bands to jazz trios and from chamber music to singer-songwriters.

Frank Karas Memorial Bandshell – Ludington Park

Located along Lake Michigan in Escanaba’s popular Ludington Park, the Frank Karas Memorial Bandshell is the heart of summer music in Delta County. Built in the 1950s in honor of local music educator Frank Karas, the bandshell hosts weekly concerts, including the long-standing Escanaba City Band performances and the free Music Mondays concert series. With its scenic waterfront backdrop and free admission, it’s a go-to spot for community-wide celebrations and live performances during warmer months.

William Oliver Auditorium – Escanaba

Located inside the historic Escanaba Junior High School building, the William Oliver Auditorium is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most revered indoor venues. Known for its excellent acoustics and Steinway grand piano, this venue has hosted world-class acts such as the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, Mel Blanc and Woody Herman. Today, it remains an active site for community concerts, choral performances and classical music events.

Bay College Besse Center Theater – Escanaba

The Besse Center Theater at Bay College is home to the annual Strings on the Bay concert series, a summer tradition that brings acclaimed chamber musicians to Delta County. The theater also hosts performances year-round, ranging from classical to contemporary, providing a more formal stage for music lovers who appreciate a concert hall experience.

Leigh’s Garden Winery – Downtown Escanaba

This cozy winery in the heart of downtown Escanaba combines handcrafted wines with a welcoming, intimate setting for live music. Leigh’s Garden Winery features regular performances on Friday evenings, including jazz, acoustic folk, classical and Celtic acts. The venue's historic charm and central location make it a favorite for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed evening with live entertainment.

The Nahma Inn – Nahma

Located not far from Fayette Historic State Park on Big Bay de Noc, the Nahma Inn has become a regional treasure for off-the-beaten-path live music. Since the 1990s, the inn has welcomed performers from Ireland, Scotland and across the U.S., making it one of the Upper Peninsula’s most eclectic and intimate live music venues. Folk, acoustic and singer-songwriter sets are the norm here, set against a peaceful forested backdrop in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest.

More Places to Hear Live Music

In addition to these standout venues, live music is part of the everyday rhythm across Delta County. Restaurants, bars and breweries in Escanaba, Gladstone and nearby communities regularly feature acoustic sets, open mics and weekend shows. From back patios to corner stages, there’s almost always a soundtrack waiting to be heard.

Signature Festivals that Draw a Crowd

Lake Shore LIVE started as a grassroots showcase and has grown into a full-fledged festival, bringing together acts from across the U.P. as the seasons begin to change. Rock the Dock, hosted at Escanaba’s municipal dock, offers high-energy performances with a lakefront view, while Marina Fest at the yacht harbor blends music and sailing culture under a sailcloth stage.

Just inland, Boogie Fest near Rock combines bonfires, camping and a mix of country and rock into an unforgettable Labor Day weekend. Over on Big Bay de Noc, the Nahma Music Fest is a relaxed gathering featuring local musicians, great food and a laid-back lakeside setting.

One of the largest events in the region, the Upper Peninsula State Fair, also delivers major live entertainment at the fairgrounds’ grandstand in Escanaba. Each August, the fair draws thousands of visitors for carnival fun, agricultural exhibits and nightly concerts from a variety of national and regional acts. Performances are included with fair admission, making it one of the best all-around summer events in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

To see what’s coming up, visit the Delta County events calendar.

Delta County’s Notable Performers

Catte Adams gained national attention after winning 13 episodes of Star Search in 1994. She went on to tour and record with legends like Michael Bolton, Natalie Cole, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and many others. She has also written and produced music for television and film.

Alex Jokipii, Principal Trumpet of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra since 1998, got his start in Escanaba Public Schools. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Helsinki Philharmonic and the Rochester Philharmonic.

Justin Olsen, lead vocalist of Las Vegas act Justin and the Swingbeats, grew up in Escanaba and began singing jazz at local spots like Crispigna’s Restaurant.

Kevin Chown, an internationally touring bassist, has played with artists including Chuck Berry, Uncle Kracker and Tarja Turunen. He launched his music career in Escanaba in the 1980s.

Brian Lord, a fixture of the Detroit music scene, has performed with Mitch Ryder and Barrett Strong. His father played accordion in the Ivan Kobasic Orchestra.

Karen Collier, concertmaster of the Springfield Symphony, has performed at Carnegie Hall and across the country. She represents a long-standing tradition of musicianship in the Chown family of Escanaba.

Mark Woerpel, founder of the 1980s band Warp Drive, has toured with Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd and produced music for TV and film.

Claire Brazeau, principal oboist with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, has performed with the LA Philharmonic and the Phoenix Symphony. Her early music training began in Escanaba.

Come for the Adventure. Stay for the Music

Live music might be the heartbeat of the Escanaba area, but it’s only the beginning. From stunning sunsets at Peninsula Point Lighthouse to hikes through the scenic trails, the area offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Explore historic sites like Fayette Historic State Park, relax on the shores of Little Bay de Noc, or spend a day sampling local wines and craft brews. Escanaba is also the perfect home base for your Upper Peninsula adventure with easy access to places like Pictured Rocks, Marquette and the Porcupine Mountains. Whether you're here for a weekend festival or a week-long getaway, be sure to book your stay early, especially during the summer. Let Escanaba’s rhythm lead the way as you discover everything that this vibrant corner of the U.P. has to offer.