Bloomington parks’ performing arts concerts, events to start in May
The first Peoples Park concert of 2022 is set for May 12, when Radio Abyss, a local singer-songwriter, will kick off a busy season of concerts and other outdoor events at several local parks.
The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department’s free performing arts series has been an annual warm-weather tradition for more than three decades. Local musicians visit area parks to provide the following: Thursday concerts in Peoples Park, Friday Happy Hours on the lawn in Switchyard Park, Friday night mainstage concerts in Switchyard Park, Sunday concerts in Bryan Park and once-a-year performances by the Bloomington Community Band, Monroe County Civic Theater and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.
The various venues aren’t active every every week, so keep the following list handy to keep from missing something or showing up to an empty stage.
In 2020 the series expanded into Switchyard Park, Bloomington’s newest park. Last year the series added “Happy Hours on the Lawn” on t5he second Friday of June, July, August and September. These are held in conjunction with some of the Bloomington Food Truck Fridays, which are at Switchyard Park every Friday from now through October. Locally made food is available 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Seating is limited or nonexistent, depending on the venue, so bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to be sure you can listen comfortably. Beverages and picnic food are also good carry-alongs, especially at events without food trucks.
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Last year, the series’ most popular concerts were those at Switchyard Park. Bloomington Food Truck Fridays had moved to the park at that point and may be part of the reason. “It is a wonderful fit with Switchyard Park and the performing arts series,” said Julie Ramey, community relations manager for the parks department.
Food trucks, the expansive park and free live music make a natural harmony.
“We are always looking for ways to expand the (series) and provide exciting events for the community,” Ramey said. One thing that has helped is collecting community feedback. She welcomes suggestions and invites people to take a survey at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Would-be performers for the series need to apply by the December preceding the May kickoff. A jury selects acts according to genre, quality, availability, past performance and cost.
The performing arts series, free to all, is made possible by support from several generous local businesses. Find more information at https://bit.ly/3vOMVhP.
Being outdoors, bad weather can force postponement or cancellation of these events. If conditions look iffy, call the Performing Arts Series Hotline to see if there’s an update: 812-349-3754.
Peoples Park
Concert series, 4:30-6 p.m. Thursdays at 501 E. Kirkwood Ave.
May 12, Radio Abyss, alternative music, singer-songwriter.
May 19, Martinie & Handel, small piano, big drums.
May 26, Coot Crabtree, Americana music.
June 2, Solomon Keim, pop saxophone.
June 9, Witness Protection, homegrown pop-rock originals.
June 16, Matixando, original tropical Latin fusion band.
June 23, Syd, Mak, & Annie: Rain on the Rocks, singer/songwriters.
June 30, Jan Bell, Americana, folk, & country.
July 7, Derrick Weidner & Olivia Doyle, acoustic folk, pop, country.
July 14, Will Holler, acoustic folk, rock, Americana.
July 21, Russian Cowboy, indie rock.
July 28, Limestone Nomad, bluegrass and folk duo.
Aug. 4, Kade Puckett, funky fingerstyle guitar.
Aug. 11, Sofia Crespo, flamenco, traditional Spanish dance.
Aug. 18, Anneliese and Ali, acoustic, country, 1990s all variety.
Aug. 25, Otto & the Moaners, cosmic folk rock.
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Waldron, Hill & Buskirk Park
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
7 p.m. June 2-4, 2 p.m. June 5: Monroe County Civic Theater will present “Henry IV, Part 1” at Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park (formerly Third Street Park), 331 S. Washington St.
Bryan Park
Sunday evening shows with back-to-back performers, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 1001 S. Henderson St.
July 10, The Superchief Band, rock, blues, jam, funk; Phree Band, a Phish tribute band.
July 24, Daily Bread and Butter, traditional folk European dance music; Amanda Biggs & Co., a cabaret of song.
Aug. 7, SoundR LampN, groovy rock and roll; Otto & The Moaners- cosmic folk.
Aug. 21, Cuadros Quartet, jazz “done our way”; Sophie Faught + Prime Vintage, jazz.
Switchyard Park
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE FESTIVAL CONCERT
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, June 9, in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington auxiliary’s annual Strawberry Shortcake Festival at Switchyard Park. The band is Kid Kazooey & the BallRoom Roustabouts will perform upbeat songs for families, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 1601 S. Rogers St.
HAPPY HOURS ON THE LAWN AT SWITCHYARD
6-8:30 p.m. Fridays, music is on the pavilion lawn at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St.
June 10, The Dynamics, classic R&B and funk.
July 8, Busman’s Holiday, groovy rock & roll.
Aug. 12, Ross Hollow, a mix of rock, folk and Americana.
Sept. 9, Will Scott, acoustic blues and soul-Americana.
SWITCHYARD PARK CONCERT SERIES
Openers at 6 p.m. Fridays on the mainstage at Switchyard Park; 1601 S. Rogers St., main acts at 7:15 p.m. each night.
June 24, main act is Jenn Cristy, high-energy pop rock. Opener is Kade Puckett, funky fingerstyle guitar.
July 22, The Brothers Footman, country, rock, hip-hop, soul “Summa Music.” Opener is The Long Seasons, heartland Americana folk (electric).
Aug. 26 Hank Ruff, country. Opener is Anneliese and Ali, country, 1990s all variety.
Oct. 7, King Bee and the Stingers, blues. Opener is Will Scott, acoustic blues and soul-Americana.
EVENING WITH THE BLOOMINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Switchyard Park mainstage.
EVENING WITH THE BLOOMINGTON COMMUNITY BAND
6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Switchyard Park mainstage.
