Keyes Park concert series starts tonight
Dane Mason of Creative Scapes landscaping of Du Quoin has become an inspiring community resource on all levels.
His latest project: partnering with others to bring a high quality concert series to Keyes City Park on Tuesdays beginning tonight.
"I was in the park watching a christian concert and thought how it was a great area and we really needed to utilize the bandstand that was recently built. The park is probably in the nicest shape that it has been in and has its on restroom facilities."
"I spoke with Mayor Rex Duncan via Facebook and told him my thoughts. He thought it was a great idea and felt if it was going to happen I might as well do it. I had a Facebook friend Vanessa Fleming say she would help if I decided to and Jackson's Pools and Spas already jumped to be a sponsor," said Mason.
"I knew that I needed to talk to (tourism director) Judy Smid first and see why the city stopped having them. After hearing that it was too costly for Tourism to host anymore, I knew if it was going to happen I was going to have to look for sponsors. I have had a lot of experience with raising money working on the Du Quoin Youth Club Charity Ball, so it wasn't too hard," he said.
"I made a letter giving my pitch and how I needed their help. I made three levels of sponsorships. Gold $500, Silver $250, and Bronze $100. Before money was even there I had to start booking concerts. From my post to Mayor Rex Duncan and the first concert date I had very little time. It was all in about two weeks time. I kind of did things a little backwards and I thank God that it all worked out."
Sponsors started coming in and I was so excited with the turnout. It just shows that local businesses want to see things happening in their town and are willing to support it to make it happen," he said.
"I received four Gold Sponsors and they include the City of Du Quoin, Jackson's Pools & Spas, Linzee Insurance Inc, and Mathis & Sons Excavating. Silver Sponsors include Du Quoin State Bank, Du Quoin Auto Service, Fenton's Custom & Collision, Haggard Custom Siding, Inc., and Marshall Browning Hospital.
"Bronze Sponsors are Bruce & Julie Eisenhauer, Creative Scapes, Dr. Craig Furry M.D/ Ellen Chapman-Pogue P.A, Kellerman's Powder Coating, R & S Automotive Services, INC, The Medicine Shoppe, and The Kabinet House USA,m" Mason said.
The sponsorship money is going towards paying for the cost of the bands, providing sound, and advertising.
The Summer Nights concert in the park series includes five Tuesday night free concerts starting at 7 p.m to 9 p.m.
The five concerts include July 2-The Eisenhauer Band, July 9-#POP (radio music) , July 16- Jackson Junction, July 23- We got it covered and July 30- The Nehrkorns for Gospel night.
"I love all kinds of music so I tried to book a little bit of everything. The Eisenhauer Band will bring good ole bluegrass.
#POP is a talented band which will play modern radio music like you hear on the Top 40.
Jackson Junction is a classic country band which has played all around this area for over a decade.
We got it covered will play country, classic rock and just those good classic songs everyone can sing to.
The Nehrkorns will lead a great worship with some good Gospel favorites. " We are asking everyone to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Marcy Robinsons "Fight like a girl" concession stand will be open during the concerts to purchase food and drink and The Du Quoin Youth club will be selling popcorn and candy.
Alcohol, coolers and pets are not allowed.
<hardreturn>Tonight's concert in Keyes Park is cancelled. Two bands will perform next week, beginning at 6 p.m.<br class="hardreturn" />