March 28, 2024

Park Board offering free concerts at Maytag Park

Thursday’s “Evening at the Bowl” concert featured Des Moines based FreeStyle. While the crowd may have been sparse the set was live and weather was perfect.

The Flaherty family was in attendance and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“I like music and I play the drums,” three-year-old Haden said.

“We started coming out last year and we really enjoyed the concerts,” Chuck said. “We enjoy bringing out the little kids and it’s within walking distance of our house, it just makes for a nice night.”

Members of the South Skunk Blues Society were also in attendance and taking in the scene. “Derby” Dan Wickliff talked about the show.

“I love the variety of it,” Wickliff said. “It’s something different every week and I like the diversity. I’m a little disappointed in the crowd.”

FreeStyle has been playing music in the Midwest for more than 25 years and play Big Band, classic rock, Motown, jazz and blues.

Members include: Ed Kelly on bass and vocals, Scott Davis on vocals, trumpet, and harmonica, Tommy Doggett on sax, flute and vocals, Jay Alcorn on guitar and vocals, and Dave Merrill on drums and vocals.

There are more shows lined up and the Newton City Band performs on July 11, Templeton Fade on July 18, Slipstream on Aug. 1 and Dueling Pianos on Aug. 8.

The events are free to the public, and attendees may bring their own food and beverages. All of the shows are at the Maytag Bowl.

Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.