Music To My Ears

Rome, Wisconsin is known as a town for all seasons, and for good reason, with events and activities to fill everyone’s calendar all year long. But let’s be real, summer in Rome can’t be beat. 

Sure, we enjoy hiking and biking on the many trails as we take in the splendor of fall colors. And cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and even ski jumping brings us outside as the temperature drops and the snow flies. And our spirits rise as the ice melts and the green spaces teem with new life when spring finally springs.

But it’s summer that, at least for me, is the time of year that I await with eager anticipation like a child waits for the big man on Christmas Eve. 

Because summer in Rome, with all the lakes, comes all the lake activities. And the golf courses at Sand Valley and Lake Arrowhead (and don’t forget Papa Bear’s) are green and lush and nonjudgmental as they invite me to hack away. And the Farmers’ Market never disappoints, with fresh produce and home-made goodies wrapping around the Town Center - from the gazebo to the splash pad and everything in between - every Friday morning.

I think, though, that my favorite thing about summer in Rome might just be the live music. It’s seemingly everywhere. On any given day, music pours out of the doors from the many establishments throughout the area tempting us to come on in and enjoy, as if that wasn’t already our plan. 

And then there’s the outdoor acts which fill the summer air with some of the best music you’ll hear anywhere. Especially from the lineup of bands performing at the Rome Town Center Bandshell. 

Dedicated last June, it didn’t take long for the “these-guys-are-good” concerts to quickly become the “can’t-wait-for-the-next-one” event of the summer for locals and visitors alike.

This year's Summer Concert Series at the bandshell, presented by Visit Rome, promises to build on that success by inviting back a couple of last year's favorites mixed in with a couple of first timers. And to be sure, they have just about every genre covered - from country to rock to bluegrass, jazz, blues, R&B, Christian, and even polka. Truly something for everyone.

So, mark your calendars, grab your blankets and folding chairs, spread out on the lawn, with a bite and a beverage from the food trucks, and enjoy this incredible lineup:

Southbound - Friday, June 13

Returning this year is the band that started it all last year with the first ever bandshell performance. Like they do everywhere they play, they will get you up and off those blankets and folding chairs with their perfect blend of country and rock. 

Chris Kroeze - Friday, June 20

One week later, Kroeze, known for his bluesy country style, smooth guitar playing, and gruff vocals, shows off his talents like he did as runner-up on season 15 of NBC’s The Voice. Since then he has played for millions, and on this Friday in June, he’s tuning up his guitar just for you.

Copperbox - Friday, July 18

Another returning act from last summer, Copperbox, a quartet out of Oshkosh known for its multi-instrumental talent, unique arrangements, and a blend of genres like polka, rock, blues, and jazz, performs familiar songs, but with a fun and refreshing twist.

His Way - Friday, August 1

As the calendar flips from July to August, this midwest band brings their award winning blend of contemporary Christian music to the stage with original feel-good music that moves your feet and touches your soul.

The Blue Notes - Saturday, August 23

This Wisconsin favorite returns to the stage with their distinctive take on uptown blues, swing and classic R&B favorites featuring a horn section that’ll blow your mind.

Art Stevenson and High Water - Friday, September 12

Rounding out the summer series is a band that has performed throughout the upper midwest for more than 30 years, playing bluegrass classics, early country music, and knee-slappin’ mountain songs.

And here’s the best part. All these fantastic acts are free of charge. It won’t cost you a single nickel. Nope. Nada. Nothing. And if you’ve been to the Town Center, you know there’s plenty of ample parking. Also free. 

Free and easy. How can you do better than that? 

See you there. 

For more information on the concert series, check out the calendar of events at visitromewi.com.

Written by: Lydell Capritta