If there’s one thing people love most about Valparaiso, it’s all the fun things the summer has in store. On Thursday, July 20 Valparaiso Events held the second concert in its 2023 Summer Concert Series. People from all over the Region gathered in Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza for a laid-back evening of delicious food, delicious drinks, and some rockin' tunes.
The second concert in this summer’s concert series is one that nobody will be forgetting anytime soon. The event opened with the very talented Ally Christian, a young singer currently studying at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). As attendees set up their lawn chairs and picnic blankets they applauded her and yelled out words of encouragement.
Then, The Red Roses, a Chicago-based 5-piece band, took to the stage. The band played all kinds of alternative and indie hits such as Coldplay’s “Yellow” and The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” Everyone couldn’t help but raise their glasses in the air and sway along to the beat, and when they needed a break from all the tunes, there were plenty of food and drink vendors to indulge in.
Several sponsors including Everwise, Allegius Credit Union, Thrivent Lakeshore Group, and Grieger’s Motor Sales chose to support this year’s Summer Concert Series without hesitation.
Justin Carlson, Grieger’s Motor Sales director of digital operations, explained that Grieger’s Motor Sales has been a family-owned dealership for over 60 years and that because of that, the community is extremely meaningful to him and the rest of his team. The Grieger’s Motor Sales Team loves how the Summer Concert Series brings all kinds of people together to enjoy one thing they all have in common: a love of music.
“Community is important. Whether it’s a little event or a big event it creates a chance for everyone to get together, put aside our differences, and just have a great time together as a community,” said Carlson.
Pat McGinley, commercial loan officer for Everwise, spoke about how vital it is that the city puts on events like the Summer Concert Series that are accessible to everyone. That way people of all income levels have the opportunity to get out and enjoy what their community has to offer.
“You get back what you give, so for us to be involved in the community and sponsor some free entertainment so that more people have the opportunity to do something fun this summer, is important. It’s one of the main reasons we enjoy helping out,” said McGinley.
McGinley was moved by the hundreds of smiling faces around him. Reflecting on how much Valparaiso has changed over the years, McGinley was proud to say that Valparaiso Events has done an amazing job at bringing the community together and creating ways for everyone to make some great memories.
“I grew up in Valpo and have been involved my entire life. I was personally on the board of directors for Valpo Events as well as involved in the Chamber. I can proudly say that today’s Valpo is not what it was when I was a kid. It’s so much more vibrant and there’s so much more going on. It’s truly an evolution of the entire community. So, to be involved and partner with Valparaiso Events and help them make even more happen is really special,” said McGinley.
Ultimately, the 2023 Valparaiso Summer Concert Series couldn’t be going better. The team at Valparaiso Events is thrilled by how many people have attended the events so far and is proud to have the privilege to put on such wonderful events for the community. The team is thankful to everyone who helped them make the Summer Concert Series possible.
“We’re just so excited about the turnout tonight. We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to support us. I also want to thank all of our sponsors for their support--we couldn’t do what we do without them,” said Tom Clifford, Valparaiso Events’ executive event and marketing manager.
For everyone who missed out on tonight’s show don’t worry--there are still six concerts left in this summer’s concert series. Unique concerts featuring a wide variety of artists and genres will continue to be held every Thursday night from now through August 31. Shows will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and are completely free for the community to enjoy.
So grab your comfiest lawn chair, fill up a cooler with plenty of drinks and snacks, and head out to Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza for an unforgettable time. The Valparaiso Events Summer Concert Series has something to offer everybody.
To learn more about Valparaiso Events and the fun activities it has in store for the community, visit https://www.valparaisoevents.com/.
