By Elizabeth Pappas
Spend quality time with your loved ones, and pack bug spray as you prepare for a weekend filled with great music, poetry, art, and theater.
Start off the weekend on Friday night at Wake N Bake, where you can enjoy live music by the Rockin’ Rhinoz, featuring Paul Miller and Tom Nelson, esteemed inductees of the 2022 Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Joining them on stage are the talented John Byrd and Kent Benedict, promising an unforgettable live music experience on Jefferson Street.
On Saturday, the Juneteenth festivities kick off at DeEdwin & Gladys White Memorial Park from 12-4 p.m.
This inclusive community event celebrates freedom and offers a range of enjoyable activities for all ages. Engage in games, relish in homemade food, participate in a basketball tournament, and enjoy music, dancing, and a bake sale.
The event also showcases various community organizations, ensuring something for everyone.
In the evening, don’t miss the much-anticipated YOU MATTER Music, Art, and Poetry festival, presented by Cornerstone Wedding and Event Center. This festival, from 6 to 11 p.m., is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and advocating for positive change.
It brings together talented artists, musicians, poets, and performers who share a common passion for promoting mental health awareness.
Best of all, admission is free, providing an opportunity for performers to showcase their talents without any cost. For more information, visit their website at www.thecornerstoneia.com.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the 56th annual Snake Alley Art Fair on Saturday, June 18. Hosted by the Art Center of Burlington in the scenic Heritage Hill neighborhood from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this cherished Father’s Day tradition promises a diverse display of handcrafted artwork.
With over 75 talented artisans showcasing their work, you can explore a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, jewelry, metalwork, and woodwork.
Treat yourself to delicious food from local vendors and enjoy live music performed by local talents.
Don’t forget to visit the kids’ tent for engaging crafts and join the interactive paint-by-number activity honoring this year’s featured artist, Chris Mulder.
It’s an event that brings creativity, inspiration, and a strong sense of community. A special thank you goes out to this year’s generous sponsors: Standard of Beaverdale, InnovativeEye, Aim Credit Union, Greater Burlington CVB, Hot 97.3, The New Mix 107.3, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, and LJ Roth Restoration for making these events possible.
Wrap up your weekend with a delightful Sunday night concert conducted by David Adams, presented by the Burlington Municipal Band.
Grab your picnic basket and blanket and enjoy the timeless tradition of summer band concerts in the Crapo Park bandshell. These concerts are free and open to the public until August, so take advantage of this opportunity.
For a complete lineup of this summer’s guest conductors, visit their website at www.muniband.org. But wait, there’s more.
The Burlington Lunchtime Chamber Series presents its final concert of Season 7, featuring a remarkable performance of Terry Riley’s influential minimalist composition, “In C.” Numerous BLCMS alumni will bring this captivating performance to life.
Remember to mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 21, starting at 12:15 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
Last but not least, plan ahead for the highly anticipated live local theater production of the year: “The Enchanted Bookshop” by the Young Actors Production.
Tickets are available online or at the Players Workshop box office an hour before each performance. Adult tickets are $10 and $5 student tickets. For more information, follow them on Facebook or visit playersworkshoptheater.com.