Thank you for the music

Yesterday, my mom and I treated ourselves to the Appleton City band concert.

We have a standing Tuesday night date at Pierce Park in the summer. We generally park our folding chairs in exactly the same spot, audience right, in the grass near the playground. My mom has been going to these concerts for more than 50 years.

Under the direction of Jim Thaldorf, the multi-generational band is enjoying an exceptionally good season. They’ve featured a strong brass section, bagpipes, woodwinds and a typewriter so far this season.

Sunday, I danced to some excellent tunes by the Maroszek Brothers and enjoyed a whole bunch of other bands at Polka Days in Pulaski. We look forward to that happy blast of halubki and hijinks every year.

On Friday, as I waited for my brisket pizza at Primal Eats, I sipped a tasty Old Fashioned and listened to the talented Pat Wiley perform.

In a single week, I heard about a dozen different bands, without really even trying too hard. I just moseyed into venues and found a comfortable spot.

I pop into the Wednesday night Concerts in the Courtyard when I can, and I go to as many of the great shows at Gibson Grill as I can work into my schedule. I like to go to the Thursday night concerts at Jones Park when I can get there too.

You can catch live music in almost any genre during summers in Wisconsin. It’s a great, big, beautiful smorgasbord of sound.

And mostly they’re all free.

So, midway through the summer, I just want to take a minute to say thank you for the music. Thank you to every performer I’ve seen, to the directors who guided them, the music teachers who inspired them, the school districts that recognized how important music programs continue to be, and to the sponsors and hosts.

Live music is good for the soul and I’m so happy to live in a community that recognizes its importance and supports it so consistently.

Treat yourself to a little live music this week.

And, to a whole lot of it when Mile of Music starts next week.

Let’s go!