Concerts at the Old Courthouse

09/20/2026

For those not in attendance on Friday the 18th

We’ve heard the feedback, and we understand that some of our recent posts may have felt like a lot of buildup without enough explanation.

So let us say it plainly.

Friday night, we finally took the community inside the part of the Howell Opera House that most people have never seen, the historic second-floor theatre and shared the bigger vision for where this project is going and why we believe this moment is different.

For the crowd who was there on Friday night, the film, the 'LIVE' remarks before it, and the words that followed were designed to tell that story 'together'. We’re now putting those pieces into a recap so everyone who could not be there, can experience it as closely as possible to the way it unfolded live on the Courthouse lawn.

But you should not have to wait for that to understand the basic message:

The “secret” was what is upstairs, what it will become, and that we are moving into the next chapter of actually bringing it back to life.

If you have never seen the second floor, take your first look right now:

http://howelloperahouse.com/seeinside

The recap is coming soon but we wanted to make sure the heart of the message was clear today.

09/19/2026

Stay tuned for more information...

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UPDATE: We promise—we’re not trying to keep this a secret any longer! 😊

Re-read through the post, down to the bottom and we’ll give you a little “appetizer” right now, with the first course coming by the end of this week😉👨‍🍳

We just want to share the full story in a way that does it justice.
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WOW. What a night. ❤️

Obviously, not everyone could be with us last night for the reveal of Steven’s Secret, and we’re already getting a lot of messages from people asking:

“What did I miss ???”

We could write a few paragraphs and try to explain it but we don’t think that would do last night justice.

What happened was more than simply showing an inspiring reveal film. The remarks before the reveal, the film itself, and the words that followed were all meant to tell one story and we want those who couldn’t be there to experience that story the right way.

So rather than giving away pieces of it here, our team is putting together a special recap that will weave the remarks from last night around the reveal film itself.

We think the result is going to be something pretty special.

If you were there, you know.

If you weren’t… you haven’t missed your chance.

Stay tuned & stay close. We’re going to show you exactly what happened on the Courthouse lawn last night and, more importantly, why it matters for what comes next.

The secret may have been revealed last night…

but the story is just beginning.

And here's your 'appetizer': http://howelloperahouse.com/seeinside

09/15/2026

Tomorrow morning on WHMI 93.5 😊

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BxLrTMFz4/

09/02/2026

HOWELL, LET’S MAKE HISTORY—AND CAPTURE IT ON FILM! 🎥

For 26 years, Friday-night concerts at the Old Courthouse have brought our community together. On Friday, September 18, we’re going for the largest turnout in the history of the series—and we need all of Howell (and Livingston County) to make it happen!

A professional film crew will be onsite capturing the night. You won’t simply be watching the show—you’ll be part of the production. Fill the lawn, bring the energy, sing, dance, cheer, have an unforgettable night, and help Howell shine on camera!

Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Let’s show everyone what happens when Howell shows up!

The Detroit Drive
Friday, September 18, 2026
7:00–9:00 PM
200 E. Grand River Ave, Howell
FREE ADMISSION
RAIN OR SHINE

GET ON THE VIP LIST!
Scan the QR code on the left side of the poster to receive important updates—including day-of notifications if weather requires a venue change. The concert is happening, so make sure you know exactly where to join us!

Come for the concert. Be there for the secret. Be part of the film. You’ll want to say: “I was there.”

08/29/2026

⚡️ NOW THAT WAS SOME THUNDER IN DOWNTOWN HOWELL! ⚡️

What an incredible night at Concerts at the Old Courthouse with Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder!

From the very first note, Nikki “D” and the Sisters brought an energy that was impossible not to feel — powerful music, huge personalities, deep faith, joy, love, and a whole lot of soul. They didn’t just perform for Howell… they connected with Howell.

And there’s something especially fitting about that name.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus gave the brothers James and John the name Boanerges — “Sons of Thunder.” They were men known for their passion, boldness and devotion.

After experiencing Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder, it’s pretty easy to understand the comparison. ❤️⚡️

There is something special about people who are willing to bring their faith, their gifts, their love for others and ALL of their energy into the world without holding back.

Nikki “D” and the Sisters of Thunder did exactly that.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the lawn and helped make another Concert at the Old Courthouse such a memorable night.

📸Enjoy some photos from an evening when a little bit of THUNDER rolled through downtown Howell! ⚡️🎶❤️

And a Special THANK YOU to Heslip Audio for coming in at the last minute to provide all the audio gear and being the sound engineer. This could not have happened if it were not for you. 🙏

08/27/2026

⚡ HOWELL, GET READY—THE THUNDER IS COMING! ⚡

On Friday, August 28, we’re welcoming the electrifying Nikki “D” & the Sisters of Thunder to the Old Courthouse for what was originally scheduled as the grand finale of our 2026 summer concert series!

Currently bringing the fire across the country on their WE MADE TOUR, this powerhouse family ensemble blends sacred steel, gospel blues, soulful harmonies and Holy Ghost energy into an unforgettable musical experience.

At the center of the storm is Nikki “D”—a commanding vocalist, magnetic performer and phenomenal guitarist whose searing style carries the fire of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the deep spiritual roots of the sacred steel tradition. And as they proudly say: the Sisters are the singers, and the band is the Thunder!

Expect blues riffs, gospel shouts, handclaps, sanctified grooves and a joyful celebration of faith, perseverance and hope.

This is more than a performance—it’s electric grace in motion.

Join us at the Old Courthouse on Friday, August 28, and come ready to be uplifted, inspired and moved—because when faith meets the blues, miracles can happen…and THE THUNDER ROLLS! ⚡🎸🔥

📣...AND ONE MORE THING…📣

Our 'original' summer concert schedule showed Nikki “D” & the Sisters of Thunder as the last show for 2026—but we decided Howell deserves an encore.🎯

🎶 BONUS CONCERT — FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 — We’re coming back to the Old Courthouse for ONE MORE NIGHT, featuring The Detroit Drive!

And trust us…you’re going to want to be there for this one!!! 👀

08/20/2026

🤠 Y’ALL READY, HOWELL???

This Friday, Y’ALL BAND is turning the historic courthouse lawn into one big country-rock party! 🎸🔥

What started as a few friends jamming in a backyard has grown into a powerhouse six-piece band that’s rocked the NFL Draft, Tigers Opening Day and major stages across the Midwest. Now they’re bringing that same big-show energy to Downtown Howell—with modern country, rock, pop, southern soul and party favorites from Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs to Chris Stapleton, Usher and more.

📅 Friday, August 21
⏰ 7–9 pm
📍 200 E. Grand River Ave., Howell
(Historic Livingston County Courthouse Lawn)
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION

Bring your favorite people, find your spot on the lawn and get ready to sing, dance and holler “Y’ALL!” 🎶

08/15/2026

Howell found its lost shaker of salt—and one unforgettable night in paradise. 🧂🌴

Air Margaritaville brought the sights, sounds and laid-back energy of Jimmy Buffett to the Old Courthouse lawn, turning downtown Howell into our own little slice of Key West.🎶

Thanks to everyone who grabbed a patch of grass, sported their best island attire and joined the Parrothead party. Here are a few of our favorite moments from a night when the margaritas were imaginary, but the fun was very real! 📸🍹