After two fragmented seasons, the full Entertainment in the Park series returns this summer to St. Mary’s Park. The first offering is Thursday.
“Our 2020 concerts were canceled, and in 2021 we held two concerts in August,” Amy Mason, recreation programmer for the City of Monroe’s Parks and Recreation department, said.
All offerings are free.
Opening the season is the Tone Chimes group at the Monroe County Intermediate School District.
A big children’s show is set for this summer. Jim Gill will perform July 13, which is a Wednesday. Other musical events are on Thursdays.
Gill is an award-winning musician known for silly songs and children’s music. He’s visited Monroe in the past. The concert is offered by Monroe County Parks and Recreation and Great Start Monroe.
Rounding out the season are line and court dances and new and returning bands.
“As we have in the past, we brought back many favorites this year and added some new ones,” Mason said.
Among the encore events are the popular court dances. The first is set for June 7.
“I will likely be scheduling a second one for late in the summer,” Mason said.
Line dancing also will be offered this year on select Tuesdays. Attendees should bring their own water.
“We have had line dancing nights in the past. It is a fun exercise and great if you have any weddings to attend,” Mason said. “Denise and Kathy will be leading the class. These line dancing nights are more urban line dancing than country line dancing.”
Bands include Dixie Highway, Sweet Tea Band, Collision Six and two tribute acts.
“We have lots going on in the city this year, with weekly concerts, monthly line dances, a family dance party, court dances, Downtown Monroe festivals and so much more,” Mason said.
For more information on the series, call (734) 384-9156 or email recreation@monroemi.gov.
On the Net: www.monroemi.gov
Season schedule
All events begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. All events are at St. Mary’s Park, 111 W. Elm Ave.; events are in the bandshell, until otherwise noted. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket.
Thursday: Monroe County Intermediate School District’s Tone Chimes
May 26: Monroe High School Jazz Band
May 31: Line Dancing (6-7:30 p.m. on the tennis court)
June 2: Dixie Highway
June 7: Court Dance (6:30-8:30 p.m. on the tennis court)
June 9: Katie & Jordan Show
June 16: Fred Tutle
June 21: Line Dancing (6-7:30 p.m. on the tennis court)
June 23: Monroe Big Band
June 30: Sweet Tea Band
July 7: Sound Proof
July 13: Jim Gill
July 14: Katmandu (Bob Seger tribute)
July 19: Line Dancing (6-7:30 p.m. on the tennis court)
July 21: Collision Six
July 28: Shout (Beatles tribute)
Aug. 16: Line Dancing (6-7:30 p.m. on the tennis court)
Aug. 18: Killer Flamingos
Sept. 6: Line Dancing (6-7:30 p.m. on the tennis court)
