Comstock Center Paddle and Pour Summer Fest: Meet the Band

The Hired Hands Band

The Hired Hands Band is a six-member band from the Kalamazoo area. Members include (left to right) Willy T. Rose, Bill Hughes, Laura Allison, Bob Allison, Tim Cooper and Dale Hein. Dale, Bill, and Bob founded the band in 2010, originally under the name “Hein, Hughes, & Allison.” Several months later, Tim and Willy T.  joined the group and, shortly thereafter, the name was changed to “The Hired Hands.” Laura, Bob’s daughter, had always made special appearances with her Dad on-stage, but she officially joined the band in 2015.

From the beginning, the idea was to combine the members’ collective interests in the Jazz, Blues, Folk, Country and Rock genres to craft an eclectic blend of American roots music. Did it work? If audience response and repeat invitations from venues all over West Michigan are any indication, the answer to that question is an overwhelming “yes!”

The Hired Hands repertoire includes a growing number of original songs, some familiar favorites, and obscure gems that come from roads less travelled.

(Above bio taken from the official website of The Hired Hands)

You can learn more about The Hired Hands by visiting their website at www.thehiredhandsband.com.

A Must Attend Kalamazoo River Riverside Summer Celebration!

Date: Friday, August 9, 2024   Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM   Event Site: Merrill Park, 5845 Comstock Avenue

You won’t want to miss Kalamazoo River’s only riverside summer fest. Comstock Center Paddle and Pour Summer Fest is an evening packed with live music, delicious food, summer beverages (non-alcoholic), and recreation.  There is something for everyone and admission is FREE.

We encourage you to come by boat and enjoy summertime on our treasured Kalamazoo River. If paddling is not your preferred choice of travel, no worries. You may choose to make your way by walking, jogging, or biking along our famed Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Of course, you are welcome to travel by car as we have ample parking.

For more information, contact DDA Director Steve Deisler at (269) 381-2360, ext. 130.  You can also visit the event page here for the latest updates.