As the warm weather returns, the call to get outside begins to grow with the blooming plants. Whether it’s walking, gardening, fishing or camping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Soon, a new option will join the list for an evening out on the town.
Starting in June, Music in the Park will debut at East Side Park in Morris. The first concert is set for June 20 at 6 p.m., featuring music from The Cheese Bots.
The Cheese Bots features Lindy “Limburger” Pederson on guitar, banjo and vocals, Marty “Longhorn Colby” Sarlette on saxes, bongos, percussion and vocals, and Mitch “Aged Cheddar” Hare on keyboard and vocals.
All are invited to bring a chair or blanket, gather family and friends, or just come solo to enjoy a free evening of live music at the Killoran Band Shell.
Organized by the Morris Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by local businesses, the event was inspired by the Chamber’s Strategic Planning retreat, which took place in February. Chamber Director Sara Lundquist said the group brainstormed ways to create more community-centered events in Morris that could be facilitated by the Chamber.
To bring the idea to life, Lundquist reached out to regional bands and performers with local ties, secured the permits for the park, and partnered with area sponsors to make the event possible.
This year’s series includes three concerts so far:
-June 20: The Cheese Bots
-July 17: Hope Marie, a local singer-songwriter, later to be joined by her band “LILIES&SPARROWS”
-July 30: The Robb Justice band, featuring a wide array of musical genres
Lundquist welcomes suggestions for future performers, though she notes that budget limitations do apply, recalling one ambitious suggestion for the band Hairball. “It’s a little out of the budget,” she said.
More on the performers
The Cheese Bots describe themselves as a feel-good bunch of groovy guys, who play a variety of tunes including Classic Top 40, blues, and jazz.
The Robb Justice Band plays a variety of music, including rock, country and blues. Robb Justice has always been inspired by a variety of musical styles including old country, blues, rock and Americana, said the singer-songwriter on his website.
Hope Marie Schmidgall is a local singer-songwriter who plays folk and acoustic music.
LILIES&SPARROWS plays alternative rock and Christian alternative music.
