Variety of live bands to play, with river as their backdrop, for Concerts on the River
By Correne Martin
The family-friendly, free summer concert series on St. Feriole Island, Concerts on the River, has increased in popularity every summer since it began several years ago. It’s back again this summer and, thanks to additional sponsorship of the regional bands, the quality of music will be outstanding and the length of the series will extend further into the season.
“I’m very happy to say that we’ve picked up a new sponsor. In addition to the Jaycees and city parks and rec, Mediacom is sponsoring this year’s concerts,” Prairie du Chien Parks and Rec Director Mike Ulrich said.
Beginning June 16 and ending Aug. 4, every Thursday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the public is invited to bring their blankets, lawn chairs and snacks—and their dancing shoes if they wish—to Lawler Park, where all can enjoy a casual evening of entertainment. The schedule is as follows:
•June 16—16 Strings and a Stick—This local trio, which includes a fiddle, will get your toes tapping and hands clapping as they play a mix of country, Celtic, bluegrass, and Cajun.
•June 17-18—Levitating Train Committee (Friday 6-10 p.m.), American Standard (Saturday 1-5 p.m.) and Uncle Sams Band (Saturday 6-10 p.m.) At the flea market main stage.
•June 23—The Broken Rubber Band Band—This Dubuque group features alternative country music from Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Merle Haggard to name a few.
•June 30—Wind in the Barley—A mix of Irish Folk and traditional ‘60s and ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll. Come check out the band everybody is talking about.
•July 7—River City Ruckus—This concert showcase’s Prairie du Chien’s top musicians playing a variety of great music.
•July 14—132nd U.S. Army Band—This 40-piece group, which travels throughout the country, will bring a variety of incredible, entertaining music all night long. Better get there early for this one. (Rain location: Hoffman Hall)
•July 21—Mr. Obvious—This high-energy Platteville band brings classic rock ‘n’ roll music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
•July 28—The Cheech Wizards—This local group will bring a mix of rock, blues, and jazz with strong vocals to get everybody groovin’ to the beat. (Wyalusing State Park astronomers will have telescope viewing afterward.)
•Aug. 4—Michael Thoma and Friends—This Waterloo native brings his easy listening music from his 2014 National Album of the Year.
“With another week of bands, some I thought were unique (for the area), I think folks can expect a good variety of music,” Ulrich said.
