Update: following is a clarification: monies earned through the Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concerts will be used to support the Lend a Hand program at BASE and the FA Summer Charity Concert scholarship fund at FAHS. Earlier copy noted the money would support local charities. Fort Atkinson Online regrets confusion this may have caused.
Barrie Park was the place to be Wednesday evening as Driftless Music headlined the first of two Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concerts of 2021.
The free concert drew hundreds of area residents, many bringing picnic suppers to enjoy with friends and family at the park.
All of the sponsorship funds and donations support the Lend a Hand program at BASE and the FA Summer Charity Concert scholarship fund at FAHS.
The next concert will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14, featuring music by Altar Boy Picnic.
The following month, the Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concerts will join the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce to present Rhythm “Remix,” Saturday, Aug. 21, throughout Fort Atkinson.
A revised version of the popular end-of-summer block party Rhythm on the River, it will be a daytime musical event spread out among several downtown venues to encourage smaller group gatherings and more family-friendly activities.
The “remix” of the original event will occur between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and feature local and regional performers in outdoor settings.
Additional details on the music schedule, food court, kids’ activities, event passport, and sponsorship opportunities are being finalized.
Driftless Music performs at the first of two Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concerts at Barrie Park Wednesday.
Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concert founder Megan Hartwick, seated far right, enjoys Wednesday’s musical event at Barrie Park.
The Lonsdale siblings enjoy the Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concert. They were together for the first time in years when they attended the event Wednesday. The are, from left: Front Row: Sandy Blasing and Donna Smith, both of Fort Atkinson; Back Row: Linda Schwarz, Arizona; and John Lonsdale and Debbie Lonsdale, both of Fort Atkinson.
These event-goers are expelling energy as they run about the park.
Two photos above: event-goers enjoy the evening.
Fort Community Credit Union employees Tracy Barnes, left, and Lisa Schiller volunteer at the donation table during the Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concert Wednesday evening.