A rockabilly-, swing- and surf music-playing Grand Rapids group is kicking off the entertainment for the Amway Family Fireworks celebration on Saturday.

The Rhythm Aces, comprised of former members of The ChupaCobras, performs its eclectic musical styles for the Amway Family Fireworks at 6 p.m. July 5 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Rhythm Aces
The Rhythm Aces
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The Rhythm Aces features guitarist and vocalist Michael "Killer" Miller, bassist Jeff Armstrong and drummer Justin "Fatbody" Rutkauskas. The band draws its inspiration from a wide-range of musical genres with a focus on rockabilly, swing and surfing tunes.

"I started playing locally in 1987," Miller said. "I have seen so many changes in the local music scene.

"Grand Rapids has always had a strong local music scene."

Wealthy Theatre, Flamingo Lounge and Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill have been the venues where The Rhythm Aces have had gigs since forming out of The ChupaCobras late last year, Miller said.

"We're looking forward to rockin' the Fifth," he said.

Amway Family Fireworks
Amway Family Fireworks for 2014 starts mid-afternoon Saturday at Ah-Nab-Awen Park next to Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on the west side of the Grand River.

The event includes family-friendly fun, activities, games, food trucks, vendors exhibits, music and entertainment and runs through the fireworks display, which begins about 10:30 p.m. EST.

Besides The Rhythm Aces, the line-up of performances includes:

Re/Max of Grand Rapids is sponsoring the Family Fun Zone from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. EST at Ah-Nab-Awen park. The family-fun activities include old-fashioned games, a photo booth and more. Starting at 5:45 p.m. EST, Re/Max's signature 72-foot tall hot air balloon visits.

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