Black Lab Five

05/09/2026

Mark your calendars Marshall area friends. Summer vibes and good music heading your way.

Hey Marshall — it’s that time again! 🙌 We’re getting ready for the eighth annual concert series, the summer tradition that brings our community together for free live music at the iconic Brooks Memorial Fountain. Each show features a different genre and a different regional artist, making every night a unique experience.

The 2026 series runs every other Friday from June 12 through August 7, with music from 7–9 pm. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, grab your friends, and enjoy some incredible performances under the summer sky.

If rain rolls in, this season the concert will move to the Franke Center for the Arts, with updates posted by 3 pm on the day of the event on this page.

2026 DATES
⛲️ June 12: Chirp
⛲️ June 26: Blaine Luis Trio
⛲️ July 10: Celestina Y Los Sanchez
⛲️ July 24: Big Fat Meanies
⛲️ August 7: Rae of Light

Fridays at the Fountain is organized by the Youngish Professionals Committee and co‑presented by the Cronin Foundation and the Marshall Community Foundation, with generous support from our 2026 sponsors: Marshall Rotary Club, Ford Blue Oval Battery Park, Underhill Agency – Farmers Insurance, Choose Marshall, Copper Athletic Club, Viceroy Properties, Stagecoach Inn, Sturgis Bank, The Avenue Salon & Spa, Hemmingsen Drug Store, Franke Center for the Arts, Black Lab Five, River Run Press and Home Slice Pizzeria.

03/10/2026

Fresh identity work for two great Marshall organizations.

Black Lab Five recently partnered with Eastend Arts Center on a new logo and brand identity as they transitioned from their former name, Eastend Studio & Gallery.

At the same time, we created the branding for the historic Wagner Ballroom located on the building’s top floor. The mark draws inspiration from the ballroom’s iconic chandeliers and its 1870 opening.

Seeing the new storefront signs installed on this beautiful Italianate building in downtown Marshall makes the project feel complete.

We’re grateful to be part of projects that help highlight the history and creativity of this community.

01/23/2026

Spotted: a past project out in the wild.

A few years back we had the chance to help bring an iconic Michigan brand back to life with a fresh spin on Altes Sportsman Copper Lager.

The 12-pack design is packed (literally) with Michigan pride, covered in fun facts from around the state, plus original illustration work from Kent Elliott that tied (fly fishing pun intended) the whole thing together.

We’ll never get tired of working on brands that rep this state well.

11/04/2025

At Black Lab Five, we don’t just build brands — we taste-test them too.

Meet the Citrus Sage Spritz, one of our favorite creations for Wingman Water. Bright, herbal, and unapologetically refreshing. 🍊🌿🍸

We do everything for Wingman — concept, design, content, and yes… cocktail R&D.

07/02/2025

If you haven’t visited your local brewery, you’re missing a great opportunity to experience something special. Not only are they amazingly creative and delicious, they are also a great way to support your local community.

06/13/2025

Another sign of Summer arriving! Fridays at the Fountain is kicking off tonight in Marshall. Proud to sponsor this again this year. Thanks, The Youngish Professionals Committee. Looking forward to the shows! 🤘

Kicking off is The Kennedy Affair!

The Kennedy Affair blues band has a Texas blues feel with a taste of southern rock and soul, classic crowd favorites, and tasteful original music.  This memorable band is fronted by powerhouse blue eyed singer, Robbie Ryall and blues guitarist Matt Kennedy, a blues veteran whose musical vibe is described as raw and hard-core. He aims to make you really listen and feel the music! Join them down at Brooks Memorial fountain to kick off our Fridays at the Fountain concert series Friday, June 13th from 7 PM to 9 PM ⛲️

04/08/2025

This shot of Vidal Blanc Ice Wine—captured right in the vineyard—features the very first label we created for Nitz Wines, proudly carrying the Nitz Reserve brand we helped bring to life.

Over the past year, we've had the chance to do what we love most: build a brand from the ground up. From packaging design and brand identity to the website, social media, and sales materials, our team has been deeply involved in every step of launching this fifth-generation Michigan vineyard into its next chapter.

There's nothing more rewarding than watching a brand like this take root and grow.

Check out more at https://nitzwines.com/ and keep an eye out—there’s more to come.

02/28/2025

Congratulations to the team at Schuler's Restaurant for this amazing achievement. This historic building has new life and will be a valuable addition to downtown Marshall. We are looking forward to attending this open house and many events in the future.

Experience the elegance of Venue 19 Zero 9, Marshall’s newest premier event space, housed in a beautifully restored 1880s landmark. An extension of the historic Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub, this sophisticated venue blends tradition with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable setting for weddi...

10/21/2024

🎉✨ Congratulations to Pastrami Joe's Deli on the grand opening of their Battle Creek location at 32 West Michigan Avenue! 🥪🎉 We’re honored to have helped bring their vision to life with the design of their new Little Joe's sign, which proudly sits atop their new spot. 🚀✨

Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a delicious new chapter in Battle Creek! 🎀✂️ Be sure to stop by, enjoy some amazing food, and check out the new digs.

09/07/2024

Michigan Brewers Guild knows how to festival. Beautiful day in the U. P.