The annual Concerts in the Park series in Warren County begin Friday, May 17, with the first ever performance at Bruer Park in Truesdale. Concerts also are scheduled in Marthasville, Warrenton and Wright City.The concert series is open to the public and free to attend. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are scheduled until 9:30 p.m.Warren County Fine Arts Council member Mike Shilharvey said anyone is welcome to attend all of the concerts, no matter what town you’re from.The series is sponsored by the fine arts council and local partners in each town. The fine arts council receives grants to pay for half the cost of booking the bands, and the partnering groups cover the remainder, Shilharvey said.The concert series has now been running for many years. Shilharvey, who schedules the performances, said he tries to be responsive to local feedback while also providing a variety of musicians.“I try to look for new bands each year, provide something different. I also talk to people to see if there’s someone they liked, that they want to bring back.”Food and drinks will be available for purchase at most of the concerts.Those looking to support the concert series and the fine arts council can also purchase T-shirts at the events that are printed with the concert schedule, Shilharvey added.TruesdaleNew to the roster of concert venues this year is Bruer Park in Truesdale. The park at the intersection of Laura Street and Market Street was opened in 2018.A single concert is scheduled for the park, featuring Trailbusters Band. The concert is this Friday, May 17.The city of Truesdale is the local partner sponsoring the concert.“We’re very happy that the Warren County Fine Arts Council reached out to us about hosting Concerts in the Park and having the first concert of the year,” said Mayor Chris Watson.Warren County Handicap Services will sell refreshments at the concert as a fundraiser for Special Olympics, Watson said. He added that if the event goes well, Truesdale is considering adding more concert dates in future years.MarthasvilleFive concert dates are scheduled at the City Park pavilion on West South Street in Marthasville. The concerts are locally sponsored by the Marthasville Chamber of Commerce.Food will be sold at the concerts by a rotating collection of community groups.The concert dates, bands performing and food vendors are:May 24 — Dogs in the Smokehouse, food provided by American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.June 28 — Souvenir, food provided by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.July 26 — Nitty Gritty Old Dudes Band, food provided by Marthasville Little League.Aug. 23 — George Portz and the Friends of Bluegrass, food provided by St. Ignatius Parish and School.Sept. 27 — Tang Masters, food provided by Marthasville Area Chamber of Commerce. This concert is sponsored solely by the Chamber.WarrentonThree concerts will be held at Dyer Park in Warrenton this summer beginning in June. The city of Warrenton is the local sponsor for the events.Concert dates and bands are:June 14 — Schmitts and Grins.July 12 — Kevin Babb.Aug. 9 — Shotgun Creek.Wright CityDiekroeger Park in Wright City will host three concerts this summer, sponsored locally by the city of Wright City. The Wright City Parks Department provides concessions.Concert dates and bands are:June 21 — Rod and Charlie.July 19 — Shorty and the Two Toads.Aug. 16 — Baker Family Bluegrass.

Bruer Park in Truesdale

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