Music in the Park is getting ready to kick off its 6th season next Thursday, May 6, at Akin Park. A free concert series that features local bands performing in various parks throughout the City of Evansville, Music in the Park is quickly becoming a treasured tradition for our local community. The Evansville Parks Foundation voluntarily organizes and executes this annual event. The concept of offering free programming was born from the receipt of annual funds from a trust established by a loyal supporter of the Parks Foundation. Additional money to support the event comes from title sponsorships and other supporters of the organization. F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® is honored and proud to be one of those sponsors!
We sat down with our own F.C. Tucker Emge REALTOR® Kevin Axsom, president of the Parks Foundation Board of Directors, to pick his brain to learn as much as we could about this year’s concerts:
What time should I arrive? Can I get there early? Can I stay late?
The music starts at 6:00 PM and runs until 8:00 PM with a small break for sponsor recognition about mid-way through. Arrive whenever you want! The parks are open until 11:00 PM, so if people would like to stay and enjoy additional time outside after the event officially ends, they may do so.
Do I have to park my car somewhere special?
The board has chosen parks that have ample parking available. Some of the parks are located in neighborhoods so there are side streets to utilize for additional parking.
What should I bring along to a Music in the Park event? What should I leave at home?
The event is totally free and family friendly. We encourage everyone to bring blankets, lawn chairs and coolers if they wish. The coolers may contain adult beverages in non-glass containers. You are welcome to pack an entire picnic, or bring some money so you can purchase food at one of the several food trucks that will be present for your convenience and pleasure. Restrooms and hand washing stations are stationed at each event. For the concerts held in parks with a pool (Howell Park on July 1 & Lorraine Park on July 15), free swimming is available during the event, so wear a swimsuit!
You mentioned food trucks. Which ones will be at each concert?
There are several food truck vendors at each park event, but specific trucks vary from week to week. Typically, we see the same collection of trucks throughout the whole series. The food trucks have to register for the event and pay a small fee so we can somewhat anticipate and control the space and traffic flow.
Will we have to wear masks? Are they required?
The pandemic isn’t over yet, but many local citizens have gotten vaccinated, the City of Evansville has lifted their mask mandate, and the CDC has released new outdoor guidelines. So, although masks will not be required, we will be encouraging social distancing at the concerts. While the likelihood of viral spread is extremely low when you are outside, if you find that you cannot socially distance enough in the crowd, you should have a mask handy for your own protection and the protection of your neighbors.
Does Music in the Park happen rain or shine? How will I know for sure?
In the event of rain on a particular event day the board will make the decision to cancel that week’s event by 12:00 noon, and we will blast the announcement on social media along with our radio sponsors. You might want to make sure you follow us on Facebook to get all of the most updated information.
What kind of music do these bands play? Who chooses them and how? Do the bands apply or audition?
Most of the bands are local and have a following of their own. We have an entertainment committee whose members network with local artists and venues to see who would be interested in playing each year. This summer we are excited to have a rich variety of bands on our stages:
- May 6 at Akin Park: Tony Henning (Classic and currents hits)
- May 20 at Franklin St Library: Haywire (Rock & Country)
- June 3 at State Hospital: 2 Miles Back (Rock & Blues)
- June 17 at Vann Park : Jimmy DeTalent and the Electric Revival (Alternative Country & Rock)
- July 1 at Howell Park: The Hip Replacements (Jazz & Latin Pop)
- July 15 at Lorraine Park: Just Us 4 (Rock Pop Americana)
- Aug 5 at Four Freedoms Monument: Zion Albert (Reggae)
- Aug 19 at Sunset Park: American Way (Classic Rock)
What is the story about the half-pot? Who do those proceeds benefit?
Berger Wealth Services is sponsoring this year’s NEW half-pot series. The pandemic really handicapped our normal fundraising activities this past year, so the half-pot idea came about during planning for this year’s concerts. Tickets will be sold by board members at each event and a winner will be drawn at the end of the night. Winners must be present to win. All of the proceeds of each half-pot benefit the Evansville Parks Foundation and their mission of improving, protecting and revitalizing Evansville’s treasured parks, open spaces and recreational facilities.
The Evansville Parks Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving, protecting, and revitalizing Evansville’s treasured parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities for everyone. While a bulk of their work focuses on generating funds for park improvements, Music in the Park raises awareness and usage of the City of Evansville Park System by enticing people to enjoy dedicated outdoor spaces they might otherwise ignore or simply be unaware of.
We can’t wait to attend all of the Music in the Park events this year, and we hope to see you there too!
