In so many ways, 2020 was a bust, right?  Certainly, the larger issues of death, illnesses, jobs lost, and businesses closing were the big picture but who did not miss their favorite outdoor activities?

For me, it is all of the free outdoor music events that are so well attended in the Chippewa Valley.  All of these are free and open to the public through the summer, weather permitting of course.

In Altoona, at the River Prairie Center, they have the Kickin’ It Country on Monday night, and Rock’n on the River Concert Series on Wednesday evenings.

Eau Claire offers Tuesday Night Blues at Owen Park on Tuesdays, the Eau Claire Municipal Band at Owen Park on Wednesday, and the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Phoenix Park on Thursday evenings.

Last, at the new Riverfront Park in Chippewa Falls, they offer their Music at the Riverfront on Sunday evenings.

That is not all! Of course there are several bars, restaurants, and coffee shops with free music group offerings that go on all year long.

Your best bet to check out who is performing at each event?  Volume One is the areas go-to place for this information, with their free publications all over the city, plus their website at www.volumeone.org.  Phone is 715-552-0457.  Or call the Reference Team at the library at 715-839-5004, cuz we know, well, almost everything.

I get it. Now it is August, and summer is rapidly ending. So forget the chores for a night. Do not work later. Do the laundry or garden another day.  Summer is always way too short, so get out and enjoy the wonderful local offerings. Food trucks are an option at each venue, but feel free to bring your own beverage, food, and yes, dog. On a leash, please!

Want to listen to the local music artists that are featured at these events?  We have many CDs here at the library, or you can enjoy them to stream, or even download, through our free digital service, Sawdust City Sounds.

Sorry Eau Claire, but my favorite?  Wednesday night at River Prairie in Altoona.  There is better seating, suits my music taste better, and the dance floor is often packed.

Enjoy!