Best Bets: Last chance to jam at the Bandshell
Published 8:17 am Thursday, August 30, 2018
For many in Mower County, this weekend marks the last free days until school begins next week.
For music lovers, it also marks the last weekend to attend Jammin’ at the Bandshell.
Like the ArtRocks Open Jam Sessions, “Jammin’ at the Bandshell” invites musicians and music fans of all ages and experience to enjoy playing and listening. All participants will be backed by the house band, Ventura Highway, consisting of Scott Jasmin, Scott Anderson, Mark Conway, Pete Wangen and Terry Schmidt.
Organizers want to include as many singers and musicians as possible during each session, so there will be a limit of two songs for each performer. If time allows, people can return to the stage later in the session. Ventura Highway’s instruments will be available for performers to use. Participants are asked to bring four copies of chord charts to enable Ventura Highway members to follow along and sign up in advance, with songs they wish to perform, on the “Jammin’ at the Bandshell” Facebook event page.
All musicians are welcome, whether or not they bring chord charts or have signed up in advance to participate. It’s all about celebrating live music performance, according to organizers.
Those who want to watch are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and picnics to relax and enjoy the music. The event is free and open to the public.
“Jammin’ at the Bandshell” will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, at Bandshell Community Park, located at Fourth Street and Ninth Place Southwest.
For more information, visit the “Jammin’ at the Bandshell” Facebook event page, visit www.austinareaarts.org, or call 507-434-0934
Schedule of Events
Friday
• Junkdrawer Cardboard Creations – Create Your Own Project, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Sign-up required – limited to 12 participants. Must be grade 4 or above, or accompanied by an adult who will do the cutting. For more information or to sign up, call 507-433-2391.
• Chateau Speedway – Weekly Racing and Mini-Mods, 7 p.m. at Chateau Speedway in Lansing. USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods, WISSOTA Street Stocks, WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, Hornets and Pure Stocks plus Mini-Mods. For more information, go to www.chateauspeedway.com or call 507-433-8238.
Saturday
• Tech Tutor Time, 1-2 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Basic one-on-one computer tutoring provided for such things as setting up and using email, using web browsers, working in Google Docs or MS Word, searching the library’s collection, downloading eBooks, and assisting with projects in progress. Not able to deal with viruses, fix hardware issues or do intensive troubleshooting. Bring your own device or use one of the library’s desktops. For more information, call 507-433-2391.