2025 Music in the Park Concert Series Announced
2025 MUSIC IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES LINEUP
2025 Music in the Park promises to be one of the best this year, with more concerts on the bill. The 2025 Music in the Park Concert Series is slated to begin on Thursday, May 22 and as always is free. The City of Parsons, Kansas is proud to present this weekly concert series, located at the Seaton Family Pavilion in Forest Park at 204 S. 13th Street (13th and Broadway), in Parsons, Kansas beginning at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday.
A popular change last year was to add a concert on the Thursday before Katy Days begins. It's cooler weather, some vendors are already in place, and it kicks off the 26th Annual Katy Days Festival. This year's pre-Katy Days concert features The BakBeatz on Thursday, May 22.
This quartet of highly skilled musicians lend their talents to perform a selection of your favorite classic FM rock tunes sprinkled with groovy arrangements of soul, funk, blues, and R&B tunes for good measure. It's almost impossible to keep your seat when The Bakbeatz lay down that beat!
Joining The Bakbeatz will be a performance by a highly recognized artist who has had the honor to perform internationally and with many famous musicians, Todd East. Blind from birth, Todd began playing piano and singing at the age of three and initiated his professional career at the age of fifteen. After high school, this native New Yorker continued his education, graduating with degrees in Music Education and Theory. As a master of the piano, with vocal skills reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, Todd is highly sought out for his musical interpretations of classic and contemporary funk, soul, and pop selections.
It wouldn't be Music in the Park without the Parsons Community Orchestra and Chorus in our yearly lineup on Thursday, May 29. A timeless classic offering, the park offers a backdrop for an Orchestra and Chorus Concert in the park - a picture that dates back more than 100 years. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a splendid evening of entertainment from the Parsons Community Orchestra and Chorus comprised of area musicians and vocalists directed by Scott Nelson.
On Thursday, June 5, "Woo! Woo! All Aboard!" Get ready for the Platinum Express. We were fortunate enough to book fan-favorites the Kansas City-based Platinum Express, who will entertain you with their fourteen-piece band and singers and all the popular tunes of Motown, Soul, Funk, and Classic Rock with the "Full Steam Horns."
Platinum Express has an ability to create a finger-poppin', heel-clickin', and flat-out fun dancing and listening experience that keeps the music of the '60s and '70s that we love so much alive. Their stage show delivers a genuine, high-energy nostalgic performance, that fans exclaim, "It's a Blast!"
Voted #1 band in KC for two years running by KC Entertainment Weekly, Platinum Express promises to be a good time on June 5, 7:30 pm at the Seaton Family Pavilion, 204 S. 13th, Forest Park, Parsons, Kansas.
On Thursday, June 12 the Blues Doctor have scheduled an appointment for Music in the Park to see if their prescription of Blues and Classic Rock is the right treatment for what ails you.
Based out of Joplin, Missouri the Blues Doctors is a five-piece ensemble featuring seasoned musicians who have harnessed their years of experience to present to the listener their arrangements of classic and contemporary blues and rock and roll. Although only formed a few short years ago, the Blues Doctors have already established themselves as an area favorite throughout the Four State region.
On Thursday, June 19, and in conjunction with Juneteenth, prepare to be entertained by Branjae, a Tulsa-based artist, activist, dancer, singer, and actress delivering Black American music of Classic Soul, Funk, and R&B to the Seaton Family Pavilion stage.
Having previously performed at the legendary Apollo Theater, BOK Center, Cain's Ballroom and more, Branjae's fearless and energetic showcase encourages elevated consciousness by connecting with her audiences for the soul purpose of creating unity and harmony. Born in the city of Motown and rooted in the city of The Gap Band, artist Branjae has established herself as a full-bodied entertainer, singing, dancing, and acting her way into the hearts of audiences across the globe. Her voice has been likened to artists like Lauryn Hill, India Arie and Nina Simone; while her stage presence is influenced by Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and Freddie Mercury.
Not wanting to exclude local talent from getting a chance to perform for the Music in the Park Concert Series we will once again open the stage up to spotlight three local bands on Thursday, June 26 for the "SEK Music Showcase" featuring Grits & Grass String Band, The UnChosen, and Good Time Charlie.
Each group will perform a twenty-five-minute set of material highlighting their talents and musical styles. Here is a brief description of the bands in the order of their performances:
Grits & Grass String Band is a trio of musicians from Parsons, Kansas that performs a mixture of Bluegrass, Folk, Country and Old-timey music performed by Rusty Farran, Dawna Farran and Paul Martin.
Based out of Chanute, Kansas, The Unchosen is a three-piece electric/acoustic ensemble performing an eclectic mix of original and cover material featuring the haunting vocals of Jennifer Luna.
Good Time Charlie from Independence, Kansas is a six-piece band that performs hard-rocking covers of your favorite popular tunes and features strong harmony vocals.
Under the direction of Julia McCabe, the Community Band returns with their Patriotic Celebration on Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. Enjoy your Fourth of July holiday with some music and then some fireworks in Marvel Park! July 4 Music in the Park features the Parsons Community Band with a patriotic musical salute featuring all your favorite marches and anthems. After the concert, be sure to hang out and enjoy the annual "Fireworks 4 Parsons" fireworks display from nearby Marvel Park.
Hey guys and gals, set down the video game controller, put on your Doc Martens and flannel shirt, grab a Crystal Pepsi, and head to Forest Park on July 10! The Bonnie Situation, based out of Pittsburg, Kansas will play the '90s music they grew up listening to and enjoyed. They are all things '90s - even their name is a reference to a scene in the 1994 movie Pulp Fiction. A typical performance of The Bonnie Situation features your favorite songs from artists like Foo Fighters, Eve 6, Pearl Jam, Collective Soul, and more. This band, comprised of veteran area musicians, will play the gleefully noisy rock, grunge, punk, and alternative that made the '90s great.
Fans of "real" country music are in for treat on Thursday, July 17 as Predator Country Show Band and Revue pays a visit to the Music in the Park stage. Originally formed in 1985, and active through 2007, Predator Country established themselves as one of the best bands in the Four States region. If you went to any bar, roadhouse, or music venue during that time, you were bound to experience their sensational musicianship and vocal harmonies. The dedication to their craft led them to regular tours throughout the Midwest, and they shared the stage in concert performances with some of the biggest names in Country music.
After a fourteen-year hiatus, Predator Country Show Band and Revue was reformed by longtime band leader Barry Manley, and they continue to this day to perform classic country favorites with a little rock thrown in, for their adoring fans, both old and new. Although the band lineup has changed numerous times over the years, Predator Country now features some of the best area musicians supplying strong male and female vocals, and all the sights and sounds you expect from a true country band.
On Thursday, July 24, Haymakers takes the concept of the string band and plugs it into a broad swath of acoustic music that stretches from Americana to bluegrass, Appalachian folk music to bluesy western swing, and even into the realm of the jam band with an array of grooves that go in and outside the box of traditional acoustic music. The Wichita, Kansas-based group formed in 2012 and gradually honed their sound through steady gigs around the Sunflower State before releasing their debut, self-titled album in 2017. Since then, the band has released 3 additional albums and toured steadily throughout the Midwest and beyond, playing everywhere from major festivals to rowdy bars to living rooms. Over the years they have cultivated a loyal fanbase and developed a reputation for lively performances that blend a wide variety of original and traditional songs performed in their own unique style.
We're trying something new for this year's series finale on Thursday, July 31 as we present the first ever "PK Jam '25," featuring not one, not two, but three spectacular tribute bands! That's right, we're turning Forest Park into a mini one-day festival site mimicking the large-scale concert events that dominated the Summers of the late '70s and '80s.
"PK Jam '25" will feature performances by "Just What I Needed" a Tribute to the Cars, "Ridin' the Storm Out" a Tribute to REO Speedwagon, and "Bob Jovi" a Tribute to '80s Bon Jovi. Spectators will be treated to over three hours of some of your favorite songs from the pre- and post-MTV era, faithfully recreated on the stage of the Seaton Family Pavilion.
"Just What I Needed" - A Tribute to the Cars faithfully reproduces the sites and sound of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band The Cars. The Cars were formed in Boston in 1976 and quickly rose to prominence with the release of their debut album. Emerging from the New Wave scene The Cars blended guitar-oriented rock with pop synthesizer sounds to carve out their unique sound.
"Ridin' The Storm Out" - A Tribute to REO Speedwagon features five Kansas City area musicians with a love for REO Speedwagon, and a drive to recreate the energy and excitement of a REO Speedwagon concert. REO Speedwagon was one of the few '70s arena rock giants to successfully transition and embrace the MTV influence of the early '80s and reinvent their sound and success.
Closing out the "PK Jam '25" will be a performance of one of the best tributes to the '80s-era icon Bon Jovi, "Bob Jovi." Bob Jovi - A Tribute to Bon Jovi has been voted as one of the best authentic tributes to Bon Jovi. "Bob Jovi" isn't just about the music; it's an immersive experience. Their stage production, complete with iconic '80s aesthetics and larger-than-life stage presence, transports audiences to the era of big hair, leather jackets, and pure rock 'n' roll decadence.
The starting time for the "PK Jam '25" will be 6:30 p.m., and the music goes all the way to 10:00 p.m. There will be additional concessionaires in the park, as well as extra activities planned to include inflatable bounce houses for the kids, and music trivia with prizes!
The Music in the Park Concert Series is managed by the City of Parsons. Promotional assistance has been provided by Labette County Tourism and Parsons Chamber of Commerce. We welcome several special individual show sponsors: Alexander Manufacturing, makers of the Woodhaven, American Original Firewood Rack, Taco Mayo, Tom Davis Auto Group, Grand True Value Rental, Wright Signs, Outsiders Tacos, V93 KLKC Variety 93.5 FM, FOX Sports 106.7 FM KLKC, and Sports, News, Ag 1540 AM, and Inflatables-To-Go. Please show your appreciation by thanking and supporting these sponsors. As always, the concerts are free of charge. Bench seating and picnic tables are available, but individuals are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs. Please remember no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed in the park.
Mark your calendars, the 2025 Music in the Park Free Concert Series is held Thursday, May 22 through Thursday, July 31. That's eleven shows! The concerts are located at the Seaton Family Pavilion in Forest Park, 204 S. 13th St., Parsons, Kansas.
The concerts are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., however times may be adjusted due to inclement weather (heat or rain). Severe weather conditions will cancel concerts. Concessions will be available beginning by 6:30 pm or sooner. Outsider's Tacos will be a featured vendor once again this year as well as other food vendors to be announced. Plan to make it an evening of food and music!
For more information phone (620) 421-7032, visit parsonsks.com, or our Facebook page "Music in the Park Concert Series - Parsons, Kansas." Please check the Music in the Park Parsons Kansas Facebook page or call the Events and Media Director's office (620) 421-7032 for current, up-to-date information, and check show dates, times, artists, and any changes before traveling any distance.
2025 MUSIC IN THE PARK FREE CONCERT SERIES
THURSDAY, MAY 22 -THE BAKBEATZ (Classic FM Rock)
THURSDAY, MAY 29 - COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
THURSDAY, JUNE 5 - PLATINUM EXPRESS (60s & 70s Motown)
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 - THE BLUES DOCTORS (Blues)
THURSDAY, JUNE 19 - BRANJAE (R&B & Funk)
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 - SEK MUSIC SHOWCASE
THURSDAY, JULY 4 - COMMUNITY BAND
THURSDAY, JULY 10 - BONNIE SITUATION (90s)
THURSDAY, JULY 17 - PREDATOR COUNTRY SHOW BAND AND REVUE
THURSDAY, JULY 24 - THE HAYMAKERS (AMERICANA)
THURSDAY, JULY 31 - PK JAM '25
