Monroe Arts Center (MAC) recently announced a significant donation and partnership from friends and family of Marion Baumann to name MAC’s outdoor free concerts the Marion Baumann Sounds of Summer series.

“The Monroe Arts Center is honored to name our summer concert series in memory of such a talented musician and supporter of the arts,” said MAC Executive Director Marie Perry. “Our free summer concerts are a gift to the community, and it is wonderful to now offer them in memory of Marion Baumann.”

Marion Baumann’s life in Monroe centered around family, friends, and music. She was particularly drawn to opera. After high school, Marion attended Juilliard and studied with some of the finest performers in the world. She earned a music scholarship to Syracuse University and later served on the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Marion’s lifetime advocating for the arts in Wisconsin couldn’t be more fitting at MAC. As a public non-profit, MAC’s focus is making the arts accessible to all, while advancing and promoting Wisconsin-based artists.

Perry introduced the Marion Baumann Sounds of Summer concert series during the free Sam Ness concert at MAC Thursday, June 25. Ness, a Wisconsin-based singer/songwriter, performed twice at MAC over the past season and is a strong MAC partner.

“Having John and Katie here, with Sam, for this special announcement was pivotal,” Perry said. “Sam represents the best Wisconsin has to offer as a musician and teacher, and now, thanks to Marion’s friends and family, we can continue to offer free concerts all summer with incredible musicians.”

The Marion Baumann Sounds of Summer concerts continue with Kellie Lin Knott July 8, Brass Knuckles July 15, The Driftless Plowboys July 22, Groove Hotel August 12, and Silence the Sirens August 26.

All concerts are free and held outdoors on the MAC lawn with games and activities for children, and food trucks on select nights.