Riverbend Concert Series opens this month
Concert-goers space out in Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park to catch John Floridis during last year's Riverbend Concert Series. Bigfork Eagle file
A woman enjoys the concert with her cat at Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park during last year's Riverbend Concert Series. Bigfork Eagle file
John Floridis delights the crowd at Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park in Bigfork.
The Riverbend Concert Series will kick off at the end of this month, welcoming guests to the secluded stage at Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park for Sunday evening concerts through August. The lineup is decidedly local with a number of new additions this year along with many returning favorites, like John Dunnigan, who will be opening the series June 27 at 7 p.m.
This year guests can enjoy the outdoor musical performances sans COVID restrictions and are invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show in a casual, picnic-like environment.
Tickets are $5 for individual concerts and season passes are available. Children 12 years of age and under can attend for free. Each Sunday night show 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 in the series over the years.
Riverbend Concert Association Board Chair Jennifer Hargett said the concert series underwent a change in leadership about four years ago when French stepped down. 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 up, making way for new performers.
“We try to select folks that are fun and would keep a live audience engaged for 90 minutes,” Hargett noted.
They also choose performers that are family-friendly and fit well in the intimate outdoor setting.
“It’s like a secret garden,” she said of the stage. “If you don’t know it’s there, you wouldn’t know to look for it.”
That’s part of the allure of the series itself -- it’s a come-as-you-are concert with top-notch local acts. Around 100 people turn out each Sunday evening, many armed with snacks, coolers and folding chairs.
“It’s just such a beautiful venue and so well-suited for spending a nice, easy Sunday evening,” Hargett said.
CATCH A SHOW:
6/27: John Dunnigan
7/4: Eric Alan
7/11: Hannah King & Michelle Rivers
7/18: Bad Larrys
7/25: Luke Dowler
8/1: John Arthur Martinez Band
8/8: Mike Murray
8/15: Tom Catmull
8/22: Tommy Edwards “The Box”
8/29: John Floridis