Charlie Parr

Community music is in abundance throughout the Chippewa Valley, and Menomonie is picking up the trend, offering FREE-4-ALL, a Menomonie Community Music Series. Held in the Ludington Guard Band Shell in Menomonie’s Wilson Park, the all-ages outdoor concerts will begin at 7pm with an opening act, followed by the main act at 7:45pm, which will last about an hour. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and their kids to enjoy the live music. Given its outdoor appeal, audience members can also pack a picnic – just be sure not to bring any alcohol. 

The series hopes to “create a relationship with the town by providing live and free entertainment,” according to organizer Jason Davis. Davis, owner of the Waterfront Bar and Grill in Menomonie, put together the series along with citizens Patrick Beilfuss and Tracy Chipman. “We’ve been seeing a lot of outdoor music in Eau Claire, and wanted to bring that to Menomonie. We hope people get out and enjoy live music and each other… and that we’ll have twice as many concerts next year.”

On June 28, self-professed “folk musician of the frozen north” Charlie Parr is set for the evening’s main act. Other main acts include experimental rock band Whale House, folk and roots group The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, and bluegrass musician Katey Bellville. All musicians are from Wisconsin and Minnesota, including Eau Claire natives The Heart Pills, Whale House, and Long Hollow Hellhounds.