You know it’s the beginning of summer when you can dress in shorts and a t-shirt, pull up a lawn chair or a golf cart, and enjoy music from a local band in a park.
Thursday, May 30, marked the genesis of what is hopefully a long-standing tradition of “Music in the Park” at the Veterans Memorial Park. Kicking off the first of a string of bands performing at the new amphitheater was In a Bind, a trio from Janesville. Wiste’s Food Truck provided food while Infinity Catering provided the drinks and other refreshments.
The concert was a free admission with donations collected for the Janesville Food Shelf.
Paul Voges proposed the idea of the “Music in the Park” concert series at the Janesville city council meeting in March. Thanks to grants by the Prairie Lakes Arts Council and several sponsorships by local businesses, Voges was able to bring his idea to life at no cost to the city.
When called up on the stage, Voges explained the event to the crowd. “We’re planning on being an annual event,” he said.
He expressed thanks to the Prairie Lakes Arts Council and the sponsors for making the event possible and encouraged everyone to check them out on the “Songs in the Park Music Series” Facebook page. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Voges said they’re already planning for next year. They even have an extra concert they will host this year.
“Anyone that has any suggestions, let me know,” Voges said. “This is a year of trial and error.”
Future event dates include the GTX Band on June 27, Another Time Around on July 25, the Armstrong Boulevard Brass Quintet on August 1 (the new addition to the series), Generation Gap on August 22, and Family Tradition on September 19. Infinity On Wheels will provide food and refreshments on June 27, July 25, and September 19, while Wiste’s Food Truck will make another appearance at the August 22 show. All shows will be from 5:30-8 p.m.
Any questions can be emailed to songsintheparkjm@gmail.com. Also, check out the “Songs in the Park Music Series” Facebook page for updates on the series.
Music has the power to bring everyone together. And with this music series, Janesville residents can enjoy a taste of the local talent, figuratively when it comes to the bands, and literally when it comes to the food.
