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Bouquet: The downtown Norway band shell is now quiet and empty on Thursday evenings, and another summer concert season is in the books for Music in the Park. The season was outstanding, and Mother Nature cooperated (for the most part) as well -- all but the first and sixth concerts were able to be held outdoors. A HUGE word of thanks to the Crossroads Alliance Church in Norway for welcoming us in for those two concerts.
As the staff at "Music in the Park" looks back on the summer, we would like to thank the fans that came each week to support live music and enjoy a relaxing evening at the park. By conservative estimates, about 2,500 to 3,000 people attended over the summer's 10 free Thursday evening concerts. We're grateful to the groups that performed: 141 North, Groove Candy, Next Myle, The Grand Design Band, The Kind of Blues Band, The Kaleidoscope Jos, Finding Feathers, Music Jar, The River Cities Big Band and The DayDreamers. Every group or artist brought a unique brand of music to the stage, and we enjoyed a varied performance style from week to week.
Music in the Park is grateful for the major financial support they received from several organizations, businesses and individuals this year, without whom this concert series would not be possible: Curtis J. Brackett Community Foundation, Jon & Nancy Sundstrom, Norway Township, Jeri's Quilt Patch of Norway, Larry and Kathy Bourdeau, Darleen Asselin in memory of William Asselin, The Norway Senior Center, Law Offices of Mouw & Celello - Iron Mountain, James Mortier, Jim's Music of Iron Mountain, Preferred Powersports of Norway, Steve and Debbie Tinti, Carrie Toretta-Partello, Coldwell Banker Real Estate of Iron Mountain, The Vulcan/Norway/Loretto Lions Club, Holmberg General Insurance Agency of Norway, The Tourism Association of Dickinson County, TDS Pharmacy of Norway, Northern Interstate Bank of Norway and Loadmaster of Norway. Also an important part of our support were Bob and Cindy Simon, C.T. Hallgren, Evergreen Assisted Living in Norway, Mike and Cris Hamlin, Jane Feno-Vaux, Ray and Andrea Anderson, Carla Revello, and several supporters who asked to remain anonymous. Music in the Park is also grateful to our media partners: WJNR-WHTO-WOBE Radio of Iron Mountain, The Iron Mountain Daily News and The ADvertiser.
Music in the Park appreciates as well Katherine Mentel and Tim McCauley of the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority for partnering with Music in the Park to bring several "double headers" to Dickinson County audiences. We hope to keep that strong collaboration alive and well in the future. Kenzie Williamsen, Norway Downtown Development Authority, worked hard to keep the outdoor market concept part of our Thursday evening activities. Kenzie, as well as Seth Anderson of the DDA and Mary Spera, assisted with supplemental photography.
Music in the Park was grateful to have sufficient financial support to provide our artists with sound equipment and an excellent sound technician. Jesse Powell work extra hard to make every group he mixed sound their best.
Music in the Park is made possible by the volunteer efforts of Carol Sundstrom and Greg Hunt, co-directors of the summer series, with assistance from Martin Straka, and the City of Norway. For additional information, see us on Facebook at Norway Music in the Park.
The offseason will be filled with planning and scheduling for 2027 and beyond, but it's been a great ride this summer. Keep supporting live music, come share a Thursday evening (or several) with us in 2027!
Donations for the summer 2027 season can sent to: "Music in the Park," C/O City of Norway, 915 E. Main Street, Norway, MI, 49870. Please indicate "Music in the Park 2027" on the memo, and thank you so much for supporting live music.