By Charlene Corson Selbee
Photo submitted
Picture a tranquil Midwest summer evening lounging in a lawn chair or relaxing on a blanket. As local bands blast out familiar tunes, you will find yourself swaying or dancing to their melodies. Indulge in the savory taste of a grilled bratwurst topped with mustard and sauerkraut or enjoy the crunch of fresh popped popcorn, all while sipping a refreshing cold beverage.
Eight communities in historic Bluff Country host free musical events during the summer.
Every community boasts its own distinctive title for their outdoor music concerts. From Decorah’s inviting Lawn Chair Nights to Whalan’s scenic Music in the Bluffs, and from Spring Grove’s vibrant Music and Market to Chatfield’s lively Music in the Park, each event promises its own unique charm. Join in the rhythm at Preston’s Rhythm by the River, immerse yourself in Spring Valley’s Music in the Park, or groove along at Caledonia’s Music in the Park. Don’t miss out on Peterson’s Summer Music Series! Names like these are guaranteed to entice participation.
Summer attendees can anticipate a lineup of beloved local bands gracing the stages this summer throughout Bluff Country. Enjoy the sounds of Mollie B, Lost Faculties, Rutabaga Brothers & Sister Mariah, Almost Amish, River Crossing, The Lonely Knees, LP and the 45s, Gopher Tones, The Chubs, Pete’s Pool Hall, Buck Hollow Band, The Riff Rangers, Trouble Shooter, Chatfield Brass Band, The Notochords Big Band, Kevin Ryan, Frank Moore, Prairie Smoke, Main Street Harmony, Tom Conrad, or Joe & Jackie Cody.
Each event showcases local bands and provides concessions for attendees. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and are welcome to bring along a picnic basket if desired.
Music Schedule
• Music in the Park, Caledonia – Tuesday, June 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30. Picnic in the Park at 5:30 followed by music from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Gazebo Park in downtown Caledonia.
• Music in the Park, Chatfield – Thursday, June 6, 13, and 20 from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, June 30 from 7-8 p.m. at Chatfield City Park.
• Lawn Chair Night, Decorah – Thursday evenings on the courthouse lawn or Washington Street outside Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah.
• Summer Music Series, Peterson – Sunday, July 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the historic bandstand.
• Rhythm by the River, Preston – Thursday, June 13, July 11, and August 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Trailhead Park.
• Music and Market, Spring Grove – Every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Viking Memorial Park.
• Music in the Park, Spring Valley – Friday, June 7, 14, 21, 28, and July 5, 12, and 19 from 6:30-8:30 at Spring Creek Park.
• Music in the Bluffs, Whalan – Fri., May 31 from 6-7:30 p.m., Sat. July 20 from 4-7 p.m., and Sat. August 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the gazebo in the Park.
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
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