Restrictions on live performances were recently relaxed and organizers of one of the most popular events in the area, the Stone Pier Concert Series on Black Hawk Lake in Lake View, were excited to get to work finding ways to make this happen for the 2020 season. Co-chair, Emily Busch, says they are being “cautiously optimistic” about moving ahead. The first concert on June 6 had already been rescheduled for next year, but they began discussions about holding their July 4 concert. Maintaining recommended physical distancing and capacity are two of the major considerations.
People will be encouraged to spread out along the shore to Camp Crescent, Ice House Point or near the handicapped dock for these “in-the-round” experiences. Busch says this is the 10th anniversary of the concert series and they have some big plans in the works to celebrate. And even though the limiting of their normal capacity will cut down on the various ways money is raised at the events, the concerts will remain free of charge and organizers will find other funding avenues.
Busch says they have had well over 2,000 people at select shows, with July 4 of last year seeing the biggest crowds to date. One of the goals of the series is to bring in a wide variety of music for all interests. Busch says they have a roots rock Texas band, Blue Water Highway, for the July 4 show and two strong country acts for the August performance. The last concert of the season will be a Shueyville, Iowa Native, Hailey Whitters, who is now a Nashville performer. In the past, headliners have included Maddie Poppe, Mike and the Moonpies, The Departed, The Bottle Rockets and more. Attendees come from around the state and different points across the country. However, Busch says this year they will scale back their promotional efforts in order to be able to adhere and respect the proclamations and guidelines that are in place. She recommends people bring food or grab some takeout and beverages since food will not be sold at the site. They will also need to bring chairs or blankets. A link for more information can be found below.
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Stone Pier Concert Series website: https://www.stonepierconcertseries.com/
