Weekly concerts and artwork will soon be featured again under the trees of Fox Park as Arts in the Park returns for its 13th season.
Each concert begins at 7 p.m.
Since 2000, Arts in the Park has offered free evenings of entertainment at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater. The series of concerts and art are presented through the donations and volunteer efforts of many individuals, businesses, service organizations and the City of LaPorte.
Children are welcome in the relaxed atmosphere by Clear Lake, where they can enjoy the entertainment and climb on the park equipment nearby. A wide walkway provides ample wheelchair access. This makes Arts in the Park a perfect choice for family members of any age.
This season’s concert series begins Wednesday, June 5, with the fresh country/pop/rock sounds of Nickel & Dime con Ritmo. Members include vocalist Nanda Danitschek, a LaPorte native and 2011 Hoosier Star winner; acoustic guitarist Norm Daisy, who formed Nickel & Dime; and Chicago-based percussionist Jorge Leal.
The very next evening, on Thursday, June 6, the popular Elwood Splinters Blues Band will perform, brought to you by General Insurance Service. Paul Thode is the band’s manager and the only original member. The frontman is Harv Stauffer, producer and host of “The Blues Review” on WVPE radio 88.1 FM. Other members include percussionist Rob Hunter, guitarist Tommy Barrett, and musician on several instruments KJ Hammerstein,
Dorothy Konieczny’s artwork will be displayed both June 5 and 6 during the concerts.
As in previous years, pre-concert entertainment each week will be provided by keyboardist Patrick Watterson starting at 6:30 p.m. Poetry readings will be held at 6:45 p.m. Reigning Poet Laureate Julie Kessler will read June 5 and three-time Poet Laureate runner-up Scott Simerlein will read June 6. Popcorn and pop or water will be on sale courtesy of Tri Kappa Associates during each concert.
For more information, or to sponsor or donate to Arts in the Park using Pay Pal, visit www.artsintheparklaporte.com or contact co-directors Kitty Wolf and Lisa Smithson at 219-362-2558 or 219-363-9317.
Arts in the Park 2013 schedule
June 5: Nickel & Dime con Ritmo
June 6: Elwood Splinters Blues Band, sponsored by General Insurance Service
June 12: LaPorte City Band
June 13: Middle of the Road Band, sponsored by Roxy Music/Kabelin Ace Hardware
June 19: LaPorte City Band
June 20: Jim Barkow Sax & Rhythm, sponsored by Dr. Ed Mueller
June 26: LaPorte City Band
June 27: Laura Whidden
July 3: LaPorte City Band
July 10: LaPorte City Band
July 11: Henhouse Prowlers, sponsored by Tri Kappa Associates
July 17: LaPorte City Band
July 18: Cripple Creek, compliments of Cripple Creek
July 24: LaPorte City Band
July 25: HiFi2WiFi
July 31: LaPorte City Band
August 1: Hobart Concert Band
August 7: LaPorte City Band
August 8: String of Pearls
August 14: Dr Groovy & the Soul Surgeons, sponsored by Best Western Inn
August 15: Windiana, Our Tribute and Memorial Concert
August 21: LPHS Marching Band & Color Guard
August 22: Me & the Boys, co-sponsored by JNR Senior Care Management and Arts in the Park
August 28: Junior & the Igniters
August 29: Tom Milo Big Band