Music in the Park bands together summer series

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce kicks off its Music in the Park summer concert program this week, a free, family-friendly series of live musical performances.

The three-concert series starts Friday, July 15, at Lake Tye Park in Monroe, with additional shows on Friday, July 22, and Friday, July 29. Beer and wine concessions open at 6 p.m., with music starting around 7.

One Pro Audio Video Lighting staffer Cliff Verhoeff is producing the shows, featuring bands hand-selected by Monroe Chamber of Commerce Operations Manager Shelley Nyhammer.

Concessions will include Yoforit and Sharinabean's Coffee Shop, with a different dinner vendor each night of the series.

Seattle-based reggae-rock-groove band Longstride, a four-piece band known for its high-energy stage shows, begins the program on July 15. In addition to originals, Longstride puts its own twist on classic covers like "What's Up,GÇ¥ by Four None Blonds and Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On.GÇ¥

July 22 is all about cowboy hats and Americana, as Mount Vernon crooners Knut Bell and the Blue Collars take the stage. Knut Bell is an American/alternative country band inspired by musicians like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The performance is being sponsored by Classic Country 1520 KXA, which will be celebrating its 5-year anniversary during the event.

"They're going to come and they're going to have a big party at that show,GÇ¥ said Monroe Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam.-á

The final show on July 29 will feature the Dana Osborn Band, which plays originals intermingled with dance covers from the 80s and 90s, including hits by David Bowie, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash and Bad Company. The Dana Osborn Band is being sponsored by Windermere Real Estate Monroe, and dinner will be available from Big Dog's Hot Dog Joint.

In an effort to feature local brewers and taprooms, with an emphasis on chamber membership, Gallardo-Van Ornam selected Chef Adam Hoffman's Twin Rivers Brewing, Route 2 Taproom and Dreadnought Brewing to provide a selection of craft ales during the performances. Each venue will take a turn at operating the beer garden on different nights throughout the series.

Wine will be provided by Clearview Sprits and Grocery Outlet.

The performances will last for approximately 80 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission.

"I envision people with their blankets and picnic baskets and just kind of enjoying the night,GÇ¥ Gallardo-Van Ornam said. "I think it'll be fun.GÇ¥

Music in the Park is made possible through a partnership between the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Monroe Parks Department, with supporting business sponsorships.

"I want people to bring their friends,GÇ¥ Gallardo-Van Ornam said. "They're all really good bands.GÇ¥

For more information on Music in the Park, visit choosemonroe.com/music.