The Livery, NOBO to present 4/20 concert in joint-effort benefit for BH parks

The Livery and NOBO are rolling up for something big for 4/20.

North Carolina-based Big Something – a high-energy band that fuses rock, pop, funk and improvisational jams – will take the Livery stage on the unofficial holiday celebrating all things cannabis, April 20.

The show will be sponsored by NOBO, with proceeds from the event being donated to the Benton Harbor Parks and Recreation department.

“It’s kind of a initiative to spruce up the Main Street and downtown area with some planters, some new shrubbery and make things look nice for Spring,” said Livery Booking and Promotions Manager Brandon DeJaynes. “Benton Harbor parks are kind of a hidden gem of our city – including Jean Klock Park, which I think is one of the most underrated and underappreciated beaches in the country. We’re really fortunate to have so many nice parks in our area.”

“Anything we can do to make our city more family friendly, more resident friendly, more active – we’re all for it.”

DeJaynes said he had been working with NOBO on some other future events when the show fell into his lap.

“NOBO was already pretty hip to Big Something and their style of party music, so they were excited to sponsor the event,” DeJaynes said. “We’re excited to host a great, national touring band and also help the community out in the same regard. It’s going to be a great night.”

The six-piece band has made a name for itself at large festivals across the county, including Bonnaroo and Michigan’s Electric Forest.

For DeJaynes, booking a band like Big Something is something that can make the venue more attractive for future patrons.

“Anytime you can bring a well-known national touring band onto your calendar, it just kind of by default makes the rest of the calendar look that much more interesting and palpable,” DeJaynes said. “It’s always a feather in our cap and a feather in our community’s cap to bring such high caliber music to the area.”

The Thursday concert will also be an unofficial pre-party to the Livery’s annual Funk Fest, which shows off the brewery’s array of sour and barrel-aged beers, paired with additional funky music. Stay tuned for a separate announcement of Funk Fest in the coming weeks.

By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com