The fourth year of the Summer Concert Series in New Prague
begins June 11 at Memorial Park
Music at Memorial (formerly Music at the Broz), the free summer music concert series in New Prague, is set for its fourth year of performances, beginning on June 11. There are seven concerts this year, all on Wednesday nights.
The concert series is now produced by the New Prague Arts Foundation, a new non-profit organization in the community. The foundation took ownership of the summer series when the New Prague Area Arts Council chose not to do it.
“We are excited to produce the concert series this summer,” said Den Gardner, chair of the foundation. We were contacted in early March that no summer concert series was happening. We realized that it would be difficult at this late stage to book some acts, but agreed to see what we could do. Through working with some great people and sponsors, we were able to put a series of seven concerts together.”
With the change of ownership at The Broz Event Venue, and the hope that the Praha Outdoor Performance Stage (POPS) facility will begin construction this summer and be available for the concerts in 2026, it was determined to hold the concerts at Memorial Park.
“Thanks to the graciousness of the city, we were able to book the shelter area by the two ball fields at Memorial Park by the playground,” Gardner said. “We chose Wednesday nights so we wouldn’t interfere with youth baseball on Thursday nights. Community concert series in the summer are common for Wednesdays or Thursdays. We were lucky the city was able to work with us to get Wednesdays booked.”
Band Schedule (Wednesday nights):
- June 11 – Eddie Shimota Band (polka/country/traditional)
- June 18 – FEELING GROOVY – A Simon & Garfunkel Tribute With a Twist (pop/rock/folk)
- June 25 – Jazz on the Prairie Big Band (jazz/big band)
- July 2 – Category 5 (Music from the ‘70s to today)
- July 9 – New Prague Area Community Band (traditional concert band music)
- July 16 – Special Dress Rehearsal at NPGC with Little Chicago/Smisek Bros for British Invasion II set for July 18 at the club.
- July 23 — Echos (big band)
Sponsors:
- Brusseau Investments/Diversified Wealth Management
- Dr. Mike/Kay Wilcox
- Bruzek Funeral Home
- Gardner & Gardner Communications
- Bishop Investments of TrueJourney
All concerts are free to the public from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m.
The three previous years of concerts were a huge success in New Prague. The performances drew 200-400 people each week during the summer. Many of last year’s bands are returning, with one new group performing.
“The reception from New Prague residents has been wonderful the past three years,” said Den Gardner. “The success of these shows proved to us that a permanent outdoor performance facility would be welcomed in New Prague. Now we are hopeful POPS will be ready next year.”
The New Prague Arts Foundation, created last fall, will also be doing other projects promoting arts and culture for New Prague. Other activities will include:
- The previously mentioned British Invasion II.
- “Christmas in New Prague,” the holiday show that drew more than 450 people last December, will return with most of the original cast at the New Prague Golf Club.
- A new scholarship program for high school fine arts students. Approximately $10,000 in scholarships will be provided.
- Small grants to local arts groups.
“The arts are so important in these turbulent times to bring people together for a common cause,” Gardner said. “And we couldn’t do this summer concert series without the support of our sponsors. Thanks to Bishop Investments of TrueJourney, Brusseau Investments, Bruzek Funeral Home, Dr. Mike and Kay Wilcox, and Gardner & Gardner Communications.
Media sponsors are KCHK Radio and the New Prague Times.
Like the previous year, attendees at the free concert each week are asked to bring their lawn chairs and blankets, along with their own food and beverages if they wish. “Our new foundation wants these concerts to be family –friendly affairs,” said Gardner.
If you want more information about Music at Memorial, please contact Gardner at: dengardner@gandgcomm.com or phone 612/325-3981.