Beats On Bates Returns To Kalamazoo With New Lineup

Kalamazoo is a city that has had ties to the music industry for decades and is a community that enjoys music. The Gibson guitar legacy has carried Kalamazoo along with the song "I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo" but these successes only opened the door for many more. Kalamazoo quickly became a destination that many artists wanted to stop by for several reasons.

Get our free mobile app

In the late 20th Century and early 21st century, Kalamazoo was a popular tour stop destination for many prominent artists as they traveled from Chicago to Detroit or vice versa. Kalamazoo has seen names like Prince, Luther Vandross, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, BB King, and many others. Since then, the much larger Grand Rapids has taken all the glory.

Luckily for those of us in the Kalamazoo, the love for music is strong and there are people working to bring great music to Kalamazoo. In fact, for years, Beats on Bates has been bringing amazing live music to Downtown Kalamazoo and they are returning for another year. Bates Alley is the alley that sits behind the store fronts of Michigan Avenue where businesses have patio seating.

Bates Alley for the most part is just patio space for patrons to enjoy while being in Downtown Kalamazoo but during some summer nights, Bates Alley turns into the party spot. Beats on Bates likes to bring in artists from a wide range of genres including funk and jazz to indie rock, Latin, soul, R&B, and more.

Beats on Bates also gives an opportunity for local vendors to showcase their skills through artists, food, and drink which creates an inviting and fun environment and experience for all ages. Beats on Bates is the Kalamazoo's most attended live music series.

New Lineup Announced For Beats On Bates In Downtown Kalamazoo

The catcher, Beats on Bates is free to attend and you only have to spend money if you choose to purchase something from a vendor or business. Beats on Bates takes over Bates Alley every Wednesday night from June 4 through September 24, 2025. Below is the entertainment lineup and the list of dates they'll be performing this summer:

• June 5th: Out of Favor Boys & DJ Mel V
• June 11th: Kalamazoo Kittens & DJ Conscious
• June 18th: Kandace DC Lavender & DJ Boogie
• June 25th: Zion Lion & DJ Conscious
• July 2nd: Tony Fields/Doug Decker & DJ No Limit
• July 9th: Parillo Connection & The Most Incredible DJ Chuck
• July 16th: Blue Back Blues Band & DJ Ron E Roc
• July 23rd: The Chris Canas Band & DJ Mel V
• July 30th: Sophia Mcintosh and The Sages & DJ Ron E Roc
• August 6th: Saxfifth Music & DJ Conscious
• August 13th: Duke and The Loose Cannons & DJ No Limit
• August 20th: Work In Progress & DJ Playhouse
• August 27th: The Skeletones & DJ Siq Musiq
• September 3rd: Da'Veonce and DaFunk & DJ No Limit
• September 10th: Tony Fields/Doug Decker & DJ Mel V
• September 17th: Mexicuba & DJ Ivan
• September 24th: Aintee Kim and Uneek Soul & The Most Incredible DJ Chuck

Now that you have the dates and know that it's free be ready to enjoy a vibrant hub of entertainment, culture, and local flavor every Wednesday night. Any time there is rain or other inclement weather Beats on Bates will be moved inside to The Xperience at 143 Farmers Alley. Below are some pictures from previous Beats on Bates events: