Great Neighbors: Free Music in the Park

Free music in the park is a tradition in many Eastern Idaho communities, but it wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of great neighbors.

The musicians, the organizers, even the public who attends are all important elements of summer concerts in the park.

Each Wednesday local people in Blackfoot have been treated to one of these concerts. “Jazzhouse Big Band played for the final concert of the season, under the direction of Longtime Blackfoot band teacher Doug Wareing. Wareing also organized the event this summer, expanding to weekly concerts instead of every other week.

“This is local talent so they should have their opportunity to be heard because they’re as good as anybody,” Wareing said. “The audience loves it and we give them a variety and they can come and sit and enjoy the most beautiful time in Idaho. Every concert’s been a great concert.”

For Wareing concluding the season with his jazz band is special.

“This group behind me is rewarding for me because I grew up in the 30s and 40s in the big band era and learned a lot of big bands and I never left it,” Wareing said.

A rain storm shortly before the concert held the number of people attending down a little from the usual, but still hundreds turned out, from young to not so young, and they really got into the rhythm of the night.

“This is some of the best entertainment you can find and you can’t beat free,” said concertgoer, Boyd Gardner.

His wife, Patricia agreed.

“This has been absolutely fantastic. It’s such a great opportunity, for people to come relax and enjoy the local talent,” she said.