“It’s not so much that Battle Creek is centered around metal, as it is Battle Creek has one dedicated music venue in Planet Rock, focused on rock and metal, and they do a great job of promoting their shows,” said Jones. “There is also a large blues, jazz, punk, bluegrass and folk music scene in our area and this will be evident at our show.”

Anyone that needs concrete evidence to the fact can direct themselves to the Leila Arboretum on July 30 for the inaugural Leilapalooza, a show Jones is helping put together. The event is free to the public, featuring 32 bands from all over Michigan, merchants, a beer garden, food vendors and free admission to the Children’s Garden from 1 to 3 p.m.

The music kicks off at 11 a.m. with the Cereal City Concert Band and continues into the evening with bands like Gunship Radio, 8 Foot Grimiss, and Tobawah performing on three different stages. The Leila Arboretum Children’s Garden will be open from 1 to 3 p.m.

Admittance into the beer garden is $5 per person and includes three complimentary beverage tickets towards the purchase of a drink.

“One of our main focuses in selecting bands was to make sure we included different genres of music,” Jones said. “We wanted to create a musical buffet where everyone would be able to find something they could enjoy, and maybe enjoy something they wouldn’t usually listen to. Fortunately, Michigan is full of so many talented bands, finding musical acts was the easy part. And they are all donating their time in support of our local public museum and the beautiful Leila Arboretum that surrounds it.”