The fifth year of the Summer Concert Series in New Prague
begins June 17 at Memorial Park
Music at Memorial (formerly Music at the Broz), the free summer music concert series in New Prague, is set for its fifth year of performances, beginning on June 17. There are eight concerts this year, all on Wednesday nights.
The concert series is produced by the New Prague Arts Foundation. The foundation took ownership of the summer series when the New Prague Area Arts Council chose not to do it in 2025.
With the delays in constructing the POPS facility, this summer’s concerts will, again, be held in 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,” Den Gardner, president of the New Prague Arts Foundation and organizer of this event, 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 17 –Eddie Shimota Band (and possibly one or two members of the local band Jaws). Always a popular band. Genre: Polka/Country
- June 24 –Solid Gold. Classic Rock (I have talked to Wayne L and ALL of their music at this will be recognizable classic rock songs.
- July 1 – David K Tribute Shows — NEW band for us this year. They to tribute covers of such various artists as: Roy Orbison/Elton/John/Buddy Holly/The Monkees, etc. Very entertaining music and show.
- July 8 – Wreckless. NEW band fur us this year. This local band plays rock/pop/country music covers, new and old. Very popular in the area. Headed by Cary Havlicek of NP Music Institute. He’s been a great supporter of POPS and our foundation.
- July 15 – Holy Rocka Rollaz – NEW band for us this year. This band plays classics exclusively from the 1950s – Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, etc.
- July 22 — Jazz on the Prairie – Eden Prairie’s community big band. Had for first time last year. GREAT music from the big band era of the ‘40s.
- July 29 — OPEN. If you have a family-friendly band in mind, let Den know.
- August 5 — Little Chicago – The summer concert series ends with local band Little Chicago – playing rock/pop horn band songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Sponsors (so far – contact Den for information on sponsoring a concert):
- Brusseau Investments/Diversified Wealth Management
- Dr. Mike and Kay Wilcox
- Bruzek Funeral Home
- Gardner & Gardner Communications
- Bishop Investments of TrueJourney
- Minnwest Bank
All concerts are free to the public from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m.
New this year: we are adding a half-hour “pre-show” with local groups performing prior to the featured band. The pre-show group will perform from 6 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m. Here’s what we lined up so far:
- Tim Price and his acoustic guitar (and maybe an accompanying performer if he wants), will do four of the eight nights of the shows. Tim has tentatively selected June 17, July 1, July 22 and Aug. 5.
- The other four nights will be selected at random from local performers.
- We have already talked with Cary Havlicek (NP Music Institute) and Jim Reeder (Downtown Sound) about local performers who might be interested.
- We also will reach out to NPHS choral/band folks.
- IF YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR PERFORMERS FOR THE PRE-SHOW, PLEASE LET DEN KNOW.
Previous years’ concerts were a huge success in New Prague. The performances drew 200-400 people each week during the summer. Some of last year’s bands are returning and several new groups are joining the lineup.
“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.”
“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 the sponsors listed above.
In addition, the 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. “The New Prague Arts 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.