May 27, 2016 at 2:41 p.m.
Block party on South Brown Street set for June 4
Block party on South Brown Street set for June 4
The organization is planning a block party concert June 4 on South Brown Street.
Ironically, the main act, reggae band Conga Se Menne, was offered by Nicolet College because the college's auditorium, where the band has performed two sell-out shows in the past, is undergoing renovation work. Jim Hext, promotions director for DRI, said the band was already booked and paid for, there just wasn't a place to move the show to.
"With all the construction we're going through down here, Sandy Kinney (the college's executive director of Communications and College and Community Initiatives) contacted me and asked if we would like this band as a street concert," Hext said. "We thought that was a great idea."
The short notice, however, required quick planning and action. The street closure and music permits for the party were approved by the city Tuesday.
The sale of alcohol is being worked out by Hext and police chief Mike Steffes. Steffes has the authority to issue a picnic license without the City Council's blessing, but said he wanted to learn more about the concert before making that call.
The DRI board thought the idea of having the streetscape project serve as a background for the stage would be an excellent draw and will vividly illustrate that while the construction is going on, downtown businesses are still open. The large stage will be placed between Oneida Title and Lund &Taylor Bridal Gallerie in the middle of South Brown Street.
"There will be no cars, just people coming in," Hext said.
Hext, as owner of the Hext Theatre, has booked The Brothers Burn Mountain as the opening act.
"They are a very good band," he said. "They go up to Minocqua and play to sold out crowds. They are going to be on the stage at 5:45 p.m. to start out, then at 7:30 p.m. is when Conga Se Menne will take the stage."
Hext added he is "hoping and praying that there's no rain" and it's a nice, sunny, warm evening. In case of inclement weather, Hext said the show could be moved into the theater, but that would limit the crowd to 150 people.
According to Hext, there is already talk of holding another block party in August on North Brown Street, once it reopens and South Brown Street is under construction.
He said the downtown business community is hoping that this inaugural "Summer Nights Concert" will become a summer tradition.
Jamie Taylor may be reached at [email protected].
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