How to go
What: Hump Day Concert Series
When: The series kicks off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, with Garrie D. Woolery and Backstage Pass. Concerts will continue every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 27.
Where: Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester
Cost: Free
More info: For a complete lineup and details, go online to www.YourMetroParks.net or call (513) 867-5835.
MetroParks of Butler County will present its Hump Day Concert Series on every other Wednesday this summer, offering a variety of diverse musical acts in an outdoor, park setting. The free concert series will kick off on June 18 with Garrie D. Woolery and Backstage Pass. Concerts will continue through Aug. 27.
“We try to showcase a variety of performers. That seems to be what our park customers enjoy the most,” said senior manager of community relations Kelly Barkley of MetroParks of Butler County. “The audience has a view of a beautiful lake and nice scenery. They can listen to the music, sit back and chill for the evening.”
She said there’s no need to rush home from work, visitors can go straight to the park for the concert. MetroParks has added a new feature this year that will allow guests to pre-order a boxed dinner three days in advance of each show. The cost is $6.99. Other food and drink vendors will be on hand the day of the concert.
Another positive shift with the series this year is a more formal application and selection process. In previous seasons, acts were chosen by MetroParks staff members. In 2014, The Friends of MetroParks of Butler County, a nonprofit support group, reviewed close to 30 auditions from performers prior to making a decision.
Families seeking alternate entertainment options while at the concert may also take advantage of several new rental options – bike, paddleboat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard – are now available for the 2014 season from The Wheelhouse Outdoor Adventure and Rental Center. Boating and fishing will be available on the lake. Younger children will have an opportunity to play on the playground.
“This is a great family night out. There’s a nice variety. I think anytime you can broaden what’s offered in a park setting, it encourages people to be out and about, to enjoy the outdoors. For residents, who enjoy music, it’s a natural fit for them. It also gets visitors inside the parks. Once they are inside the parks, they want to come back,” Barkley said.
Concerts will be held lakeside, with performers taking the stage from the Gazebo, just outside of the Ronald Reagan Lodge. For the season’s first show, Indiana-based band Garrie D. Woolery and Backstage Pass will bring a mix of classic rock ‘n’ roll and soulful blues with a touch of country, catchy harmonica licks and the twang of a banjo.
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