Popcorn and Pen

Noblesville Parks and Recreation expands series to 3 venues

Noblesville Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Concert Series is expanding this summer to two new locations and is scheduled to extend farther into the season than in previous years.

Brandon Bennett, assistant director of the parks department, said a mobile stage will allow concerts to be held at Dillon and Southside parks this summer in addition to the traditional series of shows at Forest Park.

“The mobile stage allows us to take the series on the road,” he said. “It allows it to be a true summer concert series. It’ll now go well into August.”

Previously, the concert series only went into mid-July.

Dillon Park, he pointed out, was constructed with the idea of hosting live music events in mind. It’s another way to feature the newest park in the system as well as help integrate the growing population around Dillon Park.

“There’s going to be a lot of thing going on out there,” he said. “There’s unlimited potential.”
Hosting the concert series at Southside Park is a result of the dedication and work put in by community members to bring attention to their local park.

“They’ve been very active,” said Bennett. “They’re not scared to ask; they’re good partners with the parks department. We hope it really turns out t be a good night.”

Last summer was the most successful for the summer concert series drawing an average of 600-800 people to Forest Park for each show. Bennett said a combination of promotion, quality of show and reputation are reasons the series continues to grow in popularity.

The biggest challenge is arranging schedules. During the summer, live music can be found throughout the county nearly every day of the week except Monday. In Noblesville, Bennett said they have to work with other prominent outdoor events like Shakespeare in the Park, the Fourth of July and annual Street Dance. During those weeks the summer concert series will take a break, not to compete with the other big draws taking place.

“It’s incredible to be outdoors during the summer. There are a lot of great things happening. We’re one important part of that,” he said. “The city’s been very supportive of the series; it’s a great family event. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Forest Park Concerts

The following concerts will be held 7 p.m. at Shelter 1, located at the south end of Forest Park, 701 Cicero Road in Noblesville:
June 12 – Back Beat. . . A Tribute. Back Beat recreates the excitement and thrill of seeing the greatest rock ’n roll legends of all time. This group presents a tribute to the Beatles.

June 19 – King of the Road (A Tribute to Elvis). For 29 years, fans have gathered in various venues to see, listen, and relive memories with Paul Butler as he does “A Tribute to Elvis.” Butler was voted as 1999’s World’s Truest Spirit of Elvis from Memphis, Tenn.

June 26 – Rick K and the Allnighters. Performing a unique blend of rock and roll oldies, country and pop, the band’s energy and excitement overflows into the audience who get caught up in their showmanship and high jinks. The group pleases audiences of all ages with their music, comedy and crowd participation.

Southside Park

The following concert will be the first concert held at Southside Park. It will start at 7 p.m. The park is located at the intersection of Washington and Fourth streets, west of the railroad tracks on Eighth Street.

July 10 – Phillip Stevens & The Open Road. The band will fill the park with rocking country music. The group has also performed at the Brickyard and Verizon Wireless Music Center.

Dr. James A. Dillon Park

The following concerts will be held at 7 p.m. at the Events Lawn located at 146th Street and Cherry Tree Road in Noblesville.

July 17 – Bigg Country. Bigg Country will full of big vocals, instruments, talent and giant portions of enthusiasm.

July 31 – ParrotHead Band. This act, based out of the Midwest, really strikes a chord with the four piece band playing all the great Jimmy Buffett tunes. Several costume changes help to get the party going and keep it that way.

Aug. 7 – Dave & Rae Band. Rock and roll mixed with high energy, the Dave & Rae Band performance a wide variety of music from the 1970s to today and, like the audience, have a great time doing it.