Concert series to rock Echo Park this summer

Organizers plan seven free concerts

By Ed Nadolski

Editor in Chief

Hoping to inject a bit a music and fun into downtown Burlington this summer, a group of local volunteers and business people have plans to launch B-Town Sounds, a free seven-concert music series slated for Echo Park.

The Thursday evening series will kickoff June 14 with a performance by Janet Planet, a nationally known six-piece band from Madison.

The goal, according to Jennifer Miller, one of the organizers of the event, is to create a regular family friendly event that features a variety of music genres performed by national-caliber artists.

“B-Town Sounds will emulate a big picnic in the park with lots of high notes showcasing some of the best-known bands in the region,” Miller said. “It’s a fun and free event. It’s getting out, seeing your neighbors and enjoying the community.”

According to Miller, the series is patterned after the popular River Rhythms concert series sponsored by the Waterford Chamber of Commerce on the banks of the Fox River each summer.

Like the Waterford series, Burlington concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and carry-in their food and beverages. Food and drink will also be available for purchase at the park.

The Thursday evening concerts will be held twice each in June, July and August and once in September. The current schedule is June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, Aug. 9 and 23, and Sept. 13.

Those dates are opposite the Thursdays that River Rhythms concerts are held.

“We’re still going to go to that,” said Miller, expressing support for Waterford’s series.

The Burlington concerts will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., to give people plenty of time to explore all that downtown Burlington has to offer.

“Our biggest goal is to get people out to enjoy the community,” Miller said, adding that people can visit the farmers market in Wehmhoff Square prior to the concert and stop out for dinner or a drink afterward.

However, she also stressed that the concerts are perfect for those looking for an inexpensive outing as well. “You really don’t have to spend a dime to have a lot of fun,” Miller said.

Although the committee has secured approvals from the City of Burlington and lined up sponsors to launch the series, organizers are still looking for businesses that want to provide backing for the concerts.

“Getting in on the ground floor offers donors several participation opportunities and many months’ exposure,” said Todd Greene, another organizer and owner of a local music studio.

For additional information on the series or sponsorship opportunities, contact Miller at (262) 492-3697 or [email protected].