Concert series plugs along in 27th season

It's not hard to quantify the work Elna Darrow did on the Riverbend Concert Series each year before her death last winter. It has taken a team of seven to replace her.

The annual series of shows in Sliter Park became a well-loved Bigfork tradition under Darrow's guidance, and with her no longer at the helm, her husband, George, and a group of committed Bigfork volunteers have stepped up to make sure the show goes on.

"This whole thing was driven by her passion for the community and the fear that we would lose this 525 acres," said Charlotte French, who has done publicity for the series for the past two seasons and is now working on the concerts in a larger capacity.

Sliter Park — operated and maintained by Flathead County — is part of a larger parcel that is owned by billionaire Warren Buffett's conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway. Over the years, attempts have been made to permanently protect the land and access to the Swan River, but so far none have succeeded.

For 2009, the organizers have lined up nine acts to play each Sunday evening until early August.

The series opened with the Don Lawrence Orchestra on June 14, continuing a tradition that goes back to the concert series' beginning. French said Lawrence has opened and closed the series since its inception, though this year the closing show, originally scheduled for August 16, had to be canceled because the park was already spoken for by the Bigfork Playhouse, which is hosting an end-of-season party for the actors and actresses on that date.

But despite that hiccup, French said the group is pressing on in Elna's spirit and hoping to make this year's series as good as the last 26.

"It's a seven person team working to keep this together," she said. "It's a worthy cause."

This week, John Floridis returns to the Bigfork Riverbend Concert Series at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 21 in Sliter Park. Guitarist, vocalist and lyricist, this popular musician has released five albums and performed all over the western United States. Although a solo performer, he can fill a stage with the big sounds of a full band, blending an aggressive and percussive accompaniment with adventurous, melodic guitar and strong blues-inflected singing.

Floridis is popular in Big Sky Country and well-known for his roles as host and producer for shows on Montana Public Radio in his Missoula home town.

This week's show is sponsored by Eva Gates Homemade Preserves, the Garden Bar and the Jug Tree. As always, in case of rain, the event will move to the United Methodist Church, 750 Electric Avenue (at the intersection of Electric Avenue and Commerce Street).

Patron are encourage to bring their own seating and bug spray, and enjoy a picnic supper in this lovely setting. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. A $20 season pass to this performance and the remaining seven shows will be available at the entrance. Passes can also be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, 8155 Highway 35.

For more information, call 837-1344 or the chamber at 837-5888.