June 20, 2022 at 2:04 p.m.
Concerts on the Riverwalk to return June 29
Concerts on the Riverwalk to return June 29
"We're updating and repairing some things that need attention," said band president Nicki Roffers. "It's so nice to have a place to call home and we can't wait to get back to playing a full summer schedule."
Band director Marilyn Pekol is taking the opportunity to commemorate the event. "I wanted the first performance to reflect all the great music played in our band shell over the years," she said. "There will be a lot of variety, something for everyone."
Twenty-five years have passed since the band raised the funds to build the shelter and worked with Trig Solberg, the city, and Rhinelander Downtown Development Association (RDDA) to establish a park along the Wisconsin River.
Jan Leschke dove right into the project. For many years, she was known as the band "mother," organizing the directors, rehearsal schedule, performances, recruitment, community relations, correspondence, and, of course, finances. The group played summer concerts in a green space downtown.
"When one of our members, Ron Parkinson, volunteered to design and help build the shelter, we went for it," she recalled. "We sent appeal letters to every local business, organization and individual we could think of. We didn't get large donations, but it was enough. Each one got a thank you note, even the man who sent us one dollar."
"When it was finished, the band shell proved its worth," the release states. "The shape of the building pushed the sound out into the audience perfectly and plenty of nearby parking made it convenient for performers and listeners."
RDDA had hired a firm to design the park and help with the details of an easement agreement between Trig's and the city. The group also sponsored a Wisconsin Conservation Corp crew that built benches and tables and completed the Riverwalk near the Chamber of Commerce.
Local master gardeners contributed landscaping. Several businesses helped with labor and supplies. All in all, Rhinelander's Riverwalk park and band shell was and is a true community accomplishment, the release states.
A full roster of summer entertainment is planned including the community band on June 29, July 20 and Aug. 10. Popular local singer/songwriter Paco Fralick will play on July 6 and the Tomahawk group Handpicked Bluegrass will appear on July 13. Local favorite Scott Kirby will take the stage on July 27, and jazz band Dixie Six is set for Aug. 3.
All are invited to the free concerts that begin at 7 p.m. Listeners are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free-will donations will be collected.
Further donations toward the band shell maintenance and/or concert series are welcome and may be dropped off at the concerts or at Northland Music store on Brown Street.
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