Music in the Park in Biwabik, MN

Music in the Park is back for its second summer in Biwabik, MN, and organizers Pat Holmstrom and Paula Mackey are happy to announce this year’s lineup.

The first concert took place June 2, with a performance by “Everybody’s Uncle” doing ’50s and ’60s music, and  and there will be six more events through June, July, and August.

Music in the Park takes place every other Thursday evening (except for the Saturday, July 2, concert) at 6:30 p.m. in the gazebo in the city’s Carl Schuster Park, rain or shine.

The schedule includes:

• June 16, “Forty Below,” country music.

• July 2, “Circuit Breakers,” rock music.

• July 14, “The Divas,” variety, 1940s and newer.

• July 28, “Kutdown,” energetic rock.

• Aug. 11, “Singing Slovenes,” ethnic polka.

• Aug. 25, “Jitters Plus!” Aug. 25.

The Music in the Park came to be after Mackey and Holmstrom had worked together on the Weihnachtsfest, Biwabik’s annual Christmas event.

“This is a winter festival, and we thought it would be nice to celebrate summer, as well,” Holmstrom said in an email.

Mackey was familiar with a small town wich offered live music in its park.

“We both thought, ‘Biwabik’s Park, Biwabik’s beautiful gazebo – concert series!’ After a little research, we found out that Cook does just this. I called their chamber of commerce and found the name of the woman in charge. Dave Setnicker (who is active in Biwabik community event) and I drove up to Cook, met with Shawna Kishel (of Cook) and we got the ball rolling. She was so helpful, giving us names of bands, a wonderful grant to apply for, the hours the concerts should be, and so on,” Holmstrom said.

He added, “Why reinvent the wheel? We took her advice, and here we are today. We approached the Biwabik Area Civic Association. They loved the idea, and along with many generous sponsors, our grant, and donations at the concerts, we are in our second year of Music in the Park.”

The planners said they work very hard to include all types of music. “This summer we have two country bands, two rock bands, a keyboard trio, ’50s and ’60s music, and, of course, a polka band,” said Holmstrom.

Mackey and Holmstrom said they love music and enjoy organizing this event, but “what is most important to us is this event builds community spirit,” Holmstrom said. “We see groups of people gather their lawn chairs, sitting together, hugging each other, and visiting while enjoying not only the music, but our beautiful park. Being outdoors has a calming effect on people. Everyone is happy and tapping their toes.”

Local food vendor Jerry Maki will be selling “his famous Kettle Korn,” Holmstrom said. “It’s very popular with everyone, young and old.”

Area assisted living homes transport their residents by bus to the events.

“Everyone from all communities is welcome to attend,” Holmstrom said. “They are all free concerts, but we welcome donations so we can continue to provide quality concerts each summer.”