On the House: Chown tribute tonight
Trending
ESCANABA -- "This is the House that Kevin built."
Locals and anyone attending the tribute concert this evening may hear that phrase, a statement playing off an old English nursery rhyme to honor two former Escanaba figures of legendary status — the House of Ludington and Kevin Chown.
People near and far were shocked and saddened by the news that Chown -- an Escanaba native and beloved, globe-trotting musician -- died from bladder cancer two weeks ago. The 56-year-old had lived to not only make music but also connect people and improve community. During the last few years, he did so by helping Gabor Zsolnay revive the House of Ludington — the so-called "crown jewel of Escanaba" — and forming the House Band.
This evening, Kevin Chown’s House Band is preparing to play a unique concert at the Escanaba waterfront, open to the public, in memory of their founder.
The House Band, which played every Wednesday night at the historic downtown restaurant, was made up of an assortment of local musicians. Chown, Dave Potvin and Pete Ammel were the original members; the troupe always included Chown and Potvin plus any assorted combination of Ammel, Bill Lark, Dan Cartwright, Mike Flavor, Pat Feldhusen and Jim Adams.
The House Band didn't miss a single Wednesday after their first show. For 121 weeks in a row, they played to audiences seated -- and often dancing -- in the House of Ludington lounge. Their streak only ended when the landmark building burned in December 2025 and was demolished soon after.
After the fire that destroyed their home, the House Band continued playing other venues. They had gigs lined up that ended up being cancelled when Kevin's life ended sooner than expected.
One of the scheduled appearances, however, has been transformed. Although the members of the House Band, hosts at the Escanaba Yacht Club (EYC), fans and more were hoping Kevin would lead the show this evening, the event is now a tribute.
"While we mourn the loss of both Kevin and also the House of Ludington where the band was born, we agree with his classic sentiment, 'the show must go on,'" wrote EYC Secretary Michael Manning.
From 7 to 9 p.m. on the grounds behind the EYC on Loren W. Jenkins Memorial Drive, the House Band All-Stars -- now also going by Kevin Chown's House Band -- will put on a show free for all who want to attend. John Beck, another accomplished Escanaba music maker, will strive to lead the band.
The band will utilize the stage owned by the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority (DDA); the plan is for the audience to occupy the lawn alongside the harbor.
Wildman's Munchie Mobile will also be at the show serving up french fries made using potatoes donated by Elmer's County Market. The EYC will provide water.
It is recommended that attendees bring their own chairs and refreshments.
Merchandise will be sold to benefit the Kevin J. Chown Scholarship Fund, which is being organized at Escanaba Area Public Schools. To commemorate the number of shows the House Band played at the House of Ludington, there will be 121 units each of shirts and tumblers, relayed Lisa Glish, event coordinator and manager for Kevin Chown’s House Band. Only cash will be accepted for the merch at the event.
To otherwise donate to the scholarship, people may Venmo @KJCSCHOLARSHIP or send a check to Escanaba Area Public Schools, Attn: Scholarships, 500 S. Lincoln Rd., Escanaba, with "Kevin Chown Scholarship" in the memo section.