June was quite a month for weather and activities.
The first Concert on the Square, June 12, wasn't on the Square and almost wasn't, period. The weather prediction that morning wasn't merely uncertain, but positively threatening, and it was clear the concert either had to be moved or canceled. Thanks to the graciousness of Jeff Bennett and Monroe High School, this very special sesquicentennial concert was held at the Performing Arts Center, a little later in the evening than scheduled, and with Mother Nature continuing to upstage the percussion section throughout.
Col. James Bitlaff, (aka Peter Kelly) opened the event by taking us on a journey to the past. Nate Roth further engaged the audience, sharing his extensive knowledge of cannons with actual ammunition that was used on display. This opening program was to celebrate the newly refurbished cannons and carriages that once again adorn the Courthouse lawn, thanks to Historic Monroe. Following this celebration, the Monroe City Band gave a performance nothing less than spectacular. Director Randy Schneeberger had selected a program of typical city band works that were performed through time, quite appropriate for a sesquicentennial celebration. Especially in light that our first organized "municipal music," a cornet band, predates our organization as a village in 1858. Included was an orchestration of "King Moto," originally a piano piece written by longtime Monroe resident M. Earl Clark, who also operated a music store just off the Square. While disappointing that this event could not be held downtown as planned, the silver lining that comes with a cloud was the magnificent sound experienced in this sheltered venue. Thank you to the Monroe Women's Club for making this concert a great sesquicentennial event through its underwriting of the City Band and the commissioned transcription of "King Moto."
I must say the sky looked a bit threatening for the second concert held just last Thursday as the Stateline Playboys set up their equipment. But, when a tent on loan from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry to protect that equipment "just in case" was put up, it seemed to scare the sun back out. Keith Zweifel, probably best known for polka playing, brought along a posse that was all about Rock 'N Roll for this concert made possible by a grant from The Monroe Fund (OK, they did play one polka). I think no matter what age, for those in the audience over 20 anyway, a familiar favorite rock song or two was enjoyed. This is not to say the younger generation was not engaged. Unlike Keith's standard polka gigs, the dancers in this crowd, grooving to the music, were predominately underage, and very cute.
Main Street Concerts on the Square continue through August with a little something for everyone.
On July 10, Ken Killian's "SaxtetPlus" will bring their classic big band sound to the Square. "Clear Blue Betty", who inaugurated these concerts last year, will return for a final Monroe appearance on July 24. A little bit of New Orleans will season the Square on Aug. 14 with "Beal Street Jazz." And the most unique sounds of the season will be heard from the "Fever River String Band" on Aug. 28.
Box lunches for the concerts are available from Café Claudeen, Fox Feathercreek Bakery, Garden Deli and Turner Hall. I certainly must credit Karen Stollenwerk, Main Street Promotion Committee volunteer, for putting together a season of music to entertain all audiences. Credit also should be given to Melody Fricks of Associated Bank and Vickie Zimmerman of Dr. Patterson's Dental for stepping in to help execute the concerts this season, and Rodney Golackson (don't tell him I said this) for donating Ruf's Confectionery popcorn to Green County Special Olympians in support of their program.
Volunteers are the backbone of Main Street revitalization. Cooperation and collaboration are key to progress overall. While Main Street is anxious to move on with the new look and feel to downtown planned, we will proceed in concert with the city and DOT improvements to minimize construction distress to the downtown. And, as a community partner, we recognize we must be responsive to real concerns posed that may require adjustment to location of a Market on the Square to keep traffic patterns open for those who have needs to gain access to the downtown for larger events. It's all about working together to make things better.
Have any good ideas? Please share them, or better yet, join the team working to revitalize the heart of our community.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
The first Concert on the Square, June 12, wasn't on the Square and almost wasn't, period. The weather prediction that morning wasn't merely uncertain, but positively threatening, and it was clear the concert either had to be moved or canceled. Thanks to the graciousness of Jeff Bennett and Monroe High School, this very special sesquicentennial concert was held at the Performing Arts Center, a little later in the evening than scheduled, and with Mother Nature continuing to upstage the percussion section throughout.
Col. James Bitlaff, (aka Peter Kelly) opened the event by taking us on a journey to the past. Nate Roth further engaged the audience, sharing his extensive knowledge of cannons with actual ammunition that was used on display. This opening program was to celebrate the newly refurbished cannons and carriages that once again adorn the Courthouse lawn, thanks to Historic Monroe. Following this celebration, the Monroe City Band gave a performance nothing less than spectacular. Director Randy Schneeberger had selected a program of typical city band works that were performed through time, quite appropriate for a sesquicentennial celebration. Especially in light that our first organized "municipal music," a cornet band, predates our organization as a village in 1858. Included was an orchestration of "King Moto," originally a piano piece written by longtime Monroe resident M. Earl Clark, who also operated a music store just off the Square. While disappointing that this event could not be held downtown as planned, the silver lining that comes with a cloud was the magnificent sound experienced in this sheltered venue. Thank you to the Monroe Women's Club for making this concert a great sesquicentennial event through its underwriting of the City Band and the commissioned transcription of "King Moto."
I must say the sky looked a bit threatening for the second concert held just last Thursday as the Stateline Playboys set up their equipment. But, when a tent on loan from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry to protect that equipment "just in case" was put up, it seemed to scare the sun back out. Keith Zweifel, probably best known for polka playing, brought along a posse that was all about Rock 'N Roll for this concert made possible by a grant from The Monroe Fund (OK, they did play one polka). I think no matter what age, for those in the audience over 20 anyway, a familiar favorite rock song or two was enjoyed. This is not to say the younger generation was not engaged. Unlike Keith's standard polka gigs, the dancers in this crowd, grooving to the music, were predominately underage, and very cute.
Main Street Concerts on the Square continue through August with a little something for everyone.
On July 10, Ken Killian's "SaxtetPlus" will bring their classic big band sound to the Square. "Clear Blue Betty", who inaugurated these concerts last year, will return for a final Monroe appearance on July 24. A little bit of New Orleans will season the Square on Aug. 14 with "Beal Street Jazz." And the most unique sounds of the season will be heard from the "Fever River String Band" on Aug. 28.
Box lunches for the concerts are available from Café Claudeen, Fox Feathercreek Bakery, Garden Deli and Turner Hall. I certainly must credit Karen Stollenwerk, Main Street Promotion Committee volunteer, for putting together a season of music to entertain all audiences. Credit also should be given to Melody Fricks of Associated Bank and Vickie Zimmerman of Dr. Patterson's Dental for stepping in to help execute the concerts this season, and Rodney Golackson (don't tell him I said this) for donating Ruf's Confectionery popcorn to Green County Special Olympians in support of their program.
Volunteers are the backbone of Main Street revitalization. Cooperation and collaboration are key to progress overall. While Main Street is anxious to move on with the new look and feel to downtown planned, we will proceed in concert with the city and DOT improvements to minimize construction distress to the downtown. And, as a community partner, we recognize we must be responsive to real concerns posed that may require adjustment to location of a Market on the Square to keep traffic patterns open for those who have needs to gain access to the downtown for larger events. It's all about working together to make things better.
Have any good ideas? Please share them, or better yet, join the team working to revitalize the heart of our community.
- Barb Nelson is director of Monroe Main Street. She writes a monthly update on the organization for the Monroe Times. She can be reached at 328-4023.
