Portage Township Live Entertainment Association may be in its 18th year of the free Portage Summer Music Series but that does not mean it is the same old thing.
Sure, the indoor Woodland Park Series on Tuesdays June 5-Aug. 28 at Oakwood Hall has retained the same format, but the outdoor Founders Square Park Series at Indiana American Water Amphitheater has been revamped.
“We just felt more people would be interested in attending if we had a number of acts rather than a 90-minute show every Sunday,” said Terry Hardin, who co-chairs Portage Summer Music Series with fellow Portage resident Jose Moreno.
What had been a slate of Sunday concerts in 2017 has become four festivals on the first Sundays of June-September.
Three acts perform at each Founders Square Park Series date, which also features a wine and beer tent by Clancy’s Public House, of Portage, and food trucks.
“We wanted to create more of a festival spirit in the shows,” said Hardin, treasurer for the Portage Township Live Entertainment Association board.
The Founders Square Park Series includes the Calumet Band, the Salt Exchange and Soundz of Santana on June 3 and an Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond tribute, dec8de and Nicole Jamrose on July 1.
Keytarjeff, Oscar & The Majestics and Dixie Crush play on Aug. 5 and the Code Names, Smoking Suits and Middle of the Road Band also perform at the Founder Square Park Series Sept 2.
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“Younger people tend to like more of an outdoor venue. We seem to find more families that want the Founders Square experience,” Hardin said.
“What’s so nice about Founders Square Park is the city and Mayor James Snyder have done such a good job creating an excellent park and experience for people with the splash pad they’ve got there now. Hannah’s Hope has built a playground for it. There’s a lot more there to be able to do.
“Parents can bring kids and entertain kids while they’re listening to music. The music at the Indiana American Water company pavilion carries all the way through the park. People can enjoy music while entertaining their families.”
The Woodland Park Series includes Jim Bulanda June 5, Larry Spurlock’s Little Big Band June 12, a Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley tribute June 19, Oscar & The Majestics June 26, Island 49 July 3, Harley Hehr July 10, Summer Symphony July 17, Emily Ann Thompson July 24 and Keytarjeff July 31.
Saturday June Band are scheduled for Aug. 7, Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones play Aug. 14, Rat Pack Show are set for Aug. 21 and Chris & Lou also perform at the Woodland Park Series Aug. 28.
“We find that more seniors are more interested in coming to the indoor venue. It’s temperature-controlled. There are no insects and no mosquitoes,” said Hardin, who started the Portage Summer Music Series with his wife Linda Hardin in 2001.
“What I’m most proud about is the response from the community. They’re very supportive.”
People are encouraged to bring donations for the Portage Township Food Pantry and Gabriel’s Horn Homeless Shelter to the Portage Summer Music Series.
Terry Hardin said several people including individuals from Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, Portage Parks and Recreation Department, the Founders Club and Maestro Society fundraising campaigns, and Porter County Community Foundation have helped to make the series a success.
Portage Summer Music Series
When/Where: 3-8:30 p.m. June 3, July 1, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2 at Founders Square Park’s Indiana American Water Amphitheater, 6300 Founders Square, Portage; 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays from June 5-Aug. 28 at Woodland Park Community Center’s Oakwood Hall, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage
Admission: free
Information: 219-762-5025; www.facebook.com/PortageMusic