Summer concerts return to Flathead Valley
Missoula-based musician John Floridis performs at Sliter Park in Bigfork during a past Riverbend Concert Series. (Daily Inter Lake)
Enjoy the Riverbend Concert Series Sundays in Bigfork
The Riverbend Concert Series in Bigfork kicks off at the end of this month at Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park for Sunday evening concerts through August. The lineup is decidedly local with some new additions this year, along with many returning favorites, like John Dunnigan, who is opening the series June 27 at 7 p.m.
This year guests can enjoy the outdoor musical performances sans COVID-19 restrictions and are invited to bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the casual, picnic-like environment.
Tickets are $5 for individual performances. Season passes are also available and children 12 can attend for free. Shows will also feature a food truck and ice cream vendor.
Newcomers to the concert series include Hannah King and Michelle Rivers, Luke Dowler, the John Arthur Martinez Band and Tom Catmull.
The Riverbend Concert Series was started by Elna Darrow in 1982, according to a previous Bigfork Eagle article. After she died in 2009, a team of volunteers kept the tradition alive. Among them was Charlotte French who remained an integral force over the years.
Current board members have made efforts to infuse the summer lineup with new talent as local musicians come onto the scene. The pandemic also caused a handful of veteran acts to split, making way for new performers.
It’s a come-as-you-are, family-friendly concert with top-notch local acts. Around 100 people turn out each Sunday evening, many with snacks, coolers and folding chairs.
“It’s just such a beautiful venue and so well-suited for spending a nice, easy Sunday evening,” Riverbend Concert Association board chair Jennifer Hargett said.
Schedule:
June 27: John Dunnigan
July 4: Eric Alan
July 11: Hannah King & Michelle Rivers
July 18: Bad Larrys
July 25: Luke Dowler
Aug. 1: John Arthur Martinez Band
Aug. 8: Mike Murray
Aug. 15: Tom Catmull
Aug. 22: Tommy Edwards “The Box”
Aug. 29: John Floridis
Put on your dancing shoes and picnic in Kalispell’s Depot Park
Kalispell’s Picnic in the Park kicked off this week at Depot Park in Kalispell. Concerts are free, concessions are available and everyone is welcome.
Tuesday concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday concerts are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here’s a look at the line-up in the coming weeks:
Tuesday evening
June 29 — Kenny James Miller Band
July 6 — Brent Jameson Trio
July 13 — Jamie Wyman Band
July 20 — The Groove Riders
July 27 — Mynxx
Aug. 3 — Levi Blom
Aug. 10 — Winnie Brave
Aug. 17 — Man and the Box
Wednesday afternoon
July 7 — John Dunnigan
July 14 — Willow Stephens
July 21 — Miller Campbell
July 28 — Eric Alan
Aug. 4 — Kevin Van Dort