Outdoor concert series set

Music lovers, grab your camp chairs and blankets, it's that time of year again. The free Hot Summer Nights Concert Series - sponsored by Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College - is back. The popular performances are open to the public and will be held 7-9 p.m. every Thursday evening for four weeks, July 11 through Aug. 1. All concerts will be held rain or shine, under the covered dome of the FDLTCC amphitheater.

"After our final concert last summer, several audience members came up to me and said, 'We'll see you next year,'" said Tom Urbanski, director of public information at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. "So the pressure was already on to produce another great lineup for this summer's concert series."

The first act on July 11 is worldwide touring and recording artist Todd Menton from St. Paul. The concert on July 18 presents Don Buck and Rock-a-Billy Revue from Duluth. July 25 brings the vocal duo The Twins of Franklin, from Minneapolis. The final concert on Aug. 1 features the return of hardworking and frequently touring country music artist Geoff Elvee.

This is the 21st year of free concerts at the college and "our schedule of performers is loaded with professional, top-quality musicians," Urbanski said.

"One of our goals is to present fun entertainers and different types of music each week, and we carefully select high-quality performers who you don't often hear or see in our area," Urbanski said.

There is a new food truck slated to be open for each concert. It's from Room at the Table Catering and Bakery and will feature Paul Sapyta's chef-inspired items.

The college will host one Monday evening concert by the Cloquet Community Band at 7 p.m. Monday, July 15.

Each entertaining evening of music is designed for family fun and for people of all ages. Concert-

goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, or seat cushions to sit on. For more information, call 218-879-0800.

Scheduled to appear during the Hot Summer Nights Concert Series 2019 are:

Todd Menton

Thursday, July 11

Opening night features Menton's wry, edgy performing style - focusing on warm, vibrant vocals and sharp guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, bodhran and tin whistle.

Rock-a-Billy Revue

Thursday, July 18

This enduring group from Duluth is well-known for providing popular hit music and crowd-pleasing fun.

The Twins of Franklin

Thursday, July 25

These are two dear friends and Minneapolis musicians Becky Shaheen and Laura Lou. More than a decade of singing together means the pair can do some pretty neat things, like delivering tight, delicate harmonies.

Geoff Elvee

Thursday, August 1

Hardships, heartaches, and heroes in the rugged working hands of Elvee become eloquent songs.