Concerts for the Community: Celebrating a Season of Music, Access and Connection

This past summer marked the third season of Concerts for the Community, a partnership between KDL and the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation. The program is designed to provide concert tickets to world-class performances for community members who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend due to barriers such as poverty, disability, mental health needs or other barriers.  

Throughout the Fifth Third Summer Concert Series at Frederik Meijer Gardens, 476 people from across Kent County attended concerts with free transportation, food, chair rentals, KDL goodies and return passes to the Gardens. 

We couldn’t do this without our incredible partner organizations, who help connect community members with these meaningful experiences. This year, 14 partners took part, including:

• KISD – Bright Beginnings

• Potters House

• Living Stones Academy

• Puertas Abiertas

• UCOM

• Treetops Collective

• Buist Community Assistance Center

• North Kent Connect

• KISD – Great Start to Quality

• First Steps Kent

• GR Pride

• Michigan Rehabilitation Services

• Literacy Center of West Michigan

• Family Promise

We received these testimonials from partner organizations:

-One mom was so grateful to have a date night with her husband. They would never be able to go out like this due to financial restraints, and this really brought them joy! Thank you for your generosity.

-Thank you so much for the generous donation of summer concert tickets. Our clients were truly delighted to receive them and many shared how much they enjoyed the concert experience! We appreciate your continued support and the joy you help bring to our community.

-Many of our customers have never gone to a concert before because of the price or they are nervous about seating because they are in a wheelchair. Knowing that accommodations will be provided is very helpful! Thank you kindly for this experience for them.

Concerts for the Community continues to show what can happen when organizations come together with a shared vision: a community where everyone has the chance to connect and celebrate the arts. We’re already looking forward to next season!