2023 MUSIC IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES LINEUP

 2023 Music in the Park has something for everyone this year - if you like music, you will love our lineup! The 2023 Music in the Park Concert Series is slated to begin on Thursday, June 1 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.

The concert series kicks off Thursday, June 1 in a traditional way. We are glad to have the Parsons Community Orchestra and Choir back in our yearly lineup again after a lengthy unplanned hiatus due to COVID. Nothing paints a picture more American than an Orchestra and Choir 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 Orchestra comprised of area musicians and vocalists directed by Scott Nelson.

On Thursday, June 8, local musician, Ty Ellis, as a special guest, will warm up the crowd for Stone Country. Ty Ellis is a talented Country solo acoustic musician known for his powerful voice and captivating performances. Based in Southeastern Kansas, he has been making waves in the local music scene and beyond. With a voice that is both soulful and raw, Ty draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including folk, country, and rock. 

Back by request and popular demand, Stone Country appears on Thursday, June 8. Stone Country, features lead vocalist, Shana Lynette Stone, and a talented country rock band from Southeast Kansas with Dan Duling - bass guitar and vocals and Shana Lynette Stone - lead and harmony vocalist.  

All band members are accomplished performers and musicians on their own and come together to entertain - "If you like your country music rock solid, you'll love Stone Country!" Don't miss this great show! Check them out on Facebook at "Stone Country."

Thursday, June 15, Martin & The Dead Guys is a unique band promoting their own original music and remakes of iconic tunes by great blues, soul and rock artists from the past. Martin's musical experience spans over 40 years, from high school concerts in Oskaloosa, KS to performing on national TV. He has had songs placed in films and featured on the national syndicated radio show, "Smokestack Lightnin'". With hundreds of well-crafted songs to his credit, Martin is sure to have a melody for any occasion. His bluesy guitar riffs and passionate vocals are always sure to connect with the listener. Having spent 20 years in Nashville, his songwriting ability and musical chops have been honed to perfection. He has performed on stages from Nashville to Miami, Florida and now resides in Independence, Kansas where he continues to entertain audiences.

The following Thursday, June 22, Damsel will be pumping out the best of rock from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s! Don't miss their big sound and big harmonies! They cover the music of Heart, Evanescence, SteelHeart, Pat Benatar, Vixen, Kelly Clarkson, No Doubt, and many more!

Damsel features the outstanding talents of lead vocalist Kristin Ward along with musicians Jeff Ward, lead guitar/vocals, Richard Kittleman, keys/vocals, Shane Jennings, drums/vocals, and Chuck Crouch, bass/vocals.

On the last Thursday in June, the 29th, Bill and Monica's Excellent Adventure will take you back to the last century with their music. Formed in 2010, BAM has been hitting crowds right in the nostalgia bone ever since. A 5-piece group with the skills to play everything from Soundgarden to Destiny's Child, Bill and Monica's Excellent Adventure performances cover all variety of 90s music. Led by the powerhouse vocals of front woman Stacey Struble, BAM will have you singing along to the songs you forgot you knew in no time.

There will not be a Tuesday, July 4th Concert in the Park this summer. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

July 6, we will have both kinds of music - Funk and Soul, when Weston Horn & The Hush, the heart-child of Weston Horn and his culmination of 15 years of playing and writing music takes the stage. The band is an eight-piece project with a dynamic four-piece horn section. Their fans have lovingly nicknamed them, "The Foo's Brothers" because The Hush brings the same raw rock and roll energy of The Foo Fighters but with some old school Blues Brothers horn sections to bring a new sound all together. The Hush is a brilliant mixture of classic rock and roll blended with a little funk and soul. They bring to mind some of the classic greats like Huey Lewis and The News and Stevie Wonder, but Weston Horn and The Hush still etch their own very distinctive new mark on the music industry as well. 

​The Matchsellers bring their brand of Bluegrass to Parsons on Thursday, July 13. Over the course of the last decade, the Matchsellers have proven themselves to be one of the most creative and noteworthy Bluegrass groups to emerge from the Midwest. On their ambitious latest recording The Wishful Thinker's Hall of Fame, the group masterfully shows that "art for art's sake" has a place in the Folk multiverse.

The core musical partnership on Andrew Morris (guitar/vocals) and Julie Bates (fiddle/vocals) began when the two met in Leipzig, Germany. They were two American Midwesterners on Fulbright Scholarships work as Cultural Ambassadors to Germany. Now, nearly 10 years later, they are true Folk trailblazers creating entire universes with their music.

July 20th prepares to be transported to the "party zone" when Saucy Jack, a Kansas City-based band takes the stage. Each member has several years of experience playing in a wide variety of original and cover bands all over the United States. Saucy Jack specializes in dynamic performances of popular songs, uncommonly done by other bands, as well as frequently requested mainstream hits. Their song list consists of songs from the 1970s up to current day hits. They also have an extremely fun and exciting stage show. This energetic party band is not to be missed!

Our Grand Finale on Thursday, July 27 is Member's Only, the premier 80s tribute act. Their mission:  to play a full-length, high-energy, rock show of the most recognizable hits of the 1980s. Their goal:  synthesize every show into an epic party. Their trademark performance merges an incredible light show with music that spans the decade to include Journey, Michael Jackson, Def Leppard, Prince, Bon Jovi, Guns & Roses and other artists. Stylistically, the band plays a balance of rock and pop that emphasizes a packed dance floor. Put on your parachute pants, slap bracelet, and Aqua Net your hair - let these masters of the 80s remind you this decade will always live on.

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. 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 2023 Music in the Park Free Concert Series is held Thursday, June 1 through Thursday, July 27. 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 to check show dates, times, artists, and any changes before traveling any distance. 

2023 MUSIC IN THE PARK FREE CONCERT SERIES

 THURSDAY, JUNE 1 - COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

THURSDAY, JUNE 8 - STONE COUNTRY AND SPECIAL GUEST TY ELLIS (COUNTRY)

THURSDAY, JUNE 15 - MARTIN & THE DEAD GUYS (BLUES)

THURSDAY, JUNE 22 - DAMSEL (CLASSIC ROCK)

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 - BILL AND MONICA'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE (90s)

TUESDAY, JULY 4 - NO CONCERT - ENJOY THE FOURTH!

THURSDAY, JULY 6 - WESTON HORN & THE HUSH (FUNK & SOUL)

THURSDAY, JULY 13 - THE MATCHSELLERS (BLUEGRASS)

THURSDAY, JULY 20 - SAUCY JACK (VARIETY)

THURSDAY, JULY 27 - MEMBER'S ONLY (80S)