Unroofed series has high expectations for future expansion
A fun, free concert series at the Jasper Riverwalk kicks off this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Organizers of the Unroofed concert series debuting at the Jasper Riverwalk this Saturday are hopeful the three concerts planned this year will expand to 10 next year.
According to Dubois County Tourism Executive Director Kevin Manley, the three free concerts this year will help the tourism committee’s chances at a special grant next year that would help fund the expansion. “We wanted to bring some higher level entertainment into the area,” he said about the tourism commission’s goals.
To accomplish that next year, the commission plans on applying for the Levitt AMP grant through the Levitt Foundation. The foundation supports creative arts in public venues through a concert series held in 15 venues in several large cities across the nation. Through the series, over 150 free concerts are made available to the public.
The organization also support small and mid-size cities and towns with its Levitt Amp grant. The grant provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for these smaller communities to hold a series of 10 concerts. If the tourism commission can be awarded the grant, the county could have a 10 concert series next year.
One of the requirements for the grant is that the organization applying for the grant have a history of hosting quality performances. Through the concerts this year and other events tourism has taken part in, the group hopes to rise to the top in receiving the funding in the future.
To propel that vision, the Dubois County Tourism Office has lined up three free performances this year that will raise funds for the Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition (ROJAC).
While the concerts are free to attend, organizers are making beer, wine and food available for purchase. All proceeds will go to ROJAC, the organization responsible for the development of the Riverwalk, Dave Buehler Plaza, Jasper City Mill and Train Depot.
This Saturday, Nikki Michelle and the Cosmic Collective from Nashville, Tenn., will kick off the Unroofed series.
The group covers multiple styles of music including Jazz, Motown and pop music. Nikki Michelle’s smooth voice will liven up the Riverwalk for a fun, relaxing evening. Here is a sample.
“It’s going to be a variety of eclectic music that I think people are really going to enjoy,” Manley said.
The concert will be open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets to watch the concert along the river but coolers are not be allowed.
The concert series continues on Friday, June 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. when the Studebakers, a group made up of local talent, will be playing classic rock with a touch of modern country. “They are a really fun and upbeat group,” Manley said.
The final concert of the season will feature Island Breeze, an Indianapolis-based steel drum band. Manley said the Riverwalk will take on a bit of a tropical theme by adding some beach-inspired beer and lime-accented drinks to the July heat. The island music will be featured Saturday, July 16 from 4 to 7 p.m.
“What we are trying to do is go bigger,” Manley explained. “We are trying to promote tourism in Dubois County and if we want people to get in the car and drive down here from Indianapolis, we need to provide high-quality entertainment.”
Manley said the attractions in the area as well as the events already held are doing a great job of bringing people to the area.
Tourism in supported solely through the innkeepers tax visitors pay to stay at hotels and other lodging in the area. According to Manley, the state reported an overall 3.3 percent increase in revenue from the tax across the state. “In Dubois County, we were up 9.9 percent last year,” he said. “That is good and we are proud of that.”
