Brian Vander Ark takes a candid moment with the Bacigalupo family
(MyBayCity Photos By Julie Munger-McCallum)

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Brian Vander Ark's Summer Concert Series

Vander Ark said, "I started the lawn chair concerts in 2007."

September 4, 2011
By: Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor

Recently Brian Vander Ark, Singer of the band, The Verve Pipe, performed at a local residence in a summer concert series he calls, lawn chair shows.

The local concert was hosted by Betsy Bacigalupo Kolm and Brian & Tina Bacigalupo.

Vander Ark's backyard concerts are personal and unique experience. According to Vander Ark he lets the hosts pick out the set list.

Vander Ark said, "I started the lawn chair concerts in 2007, trying to raise money for a new solo album. I liked it so much I just kept booking them."

Vander Arks said his backyard concerts were up to 100 per year but doing less now with the Verve Pipe schedule picking up so much.

It was an afternoon of incredible acoustic music with Vander Ark who just released a new album of solo material titled, "MAGAZINE". (RIGHT)

According to Vander Ark, photographer Brian Kelly took the photo for the CD cover. When MyBayCity asked about the clever CD cover, Vander Ark said, "Very exploited and each song is own little article."

Vander Ark closed with 'Colorful', the featured song from the movie Rockstar, staring Jennifer Aniston and Mark Wahlberg.

Vander Ark grew up in Michigan and currently resides in Grand Rapids with his family. Vander Ark had CDs on hand and spent time autographing them on site.

The Josh Ramses Band, local band, was the opening act for Vander Ark.

The concert helped raise money for youth in the Dolphin and Barracuda Swimming Organization. All proceeds went to Save The Pools. From a safety and fitness standpoint, swimming is a life skill that every child or young adult should have. The swim community has seen a tremendous increase in the diversity of its swimmers and believes it is important to continue to offer them aquatic choices.



Vander Ark, said "It's nice to perform at these beautiful homes of beautiful people."


(Above) Vander Ark had his CD's available including his newest release "Magazine" A portion of his profits of CD's went to benefit "Save The Pools".


(Above) The Josh Ramses Band opened for Vander Ark


(Above) Enjoying the awesome day, Megan McCormick, Jency Schnettler and Lindsay Bacigalupo


(Above) Everyone grabbed the shade spots in the yard. (Except for me of course!)


(Above) Stockpot made the afternoon a complete success . . . serving hot-dogs and brats. Pictured, Cortney Chervekowski and Vernon Riggs


Brian Vander Ark will be performing at the Bay City State Theater on October 8, 2011