2018 “Washington Park Wednesdays” Lineup Announced

From Washington Park Neighbors: Washington Park Neighbors on Friday announced the lineup for the free 2018 Washington Park Wednesdays, its uniquely diverse annual summer series at the historic Washington Park Bandshell aimed at bringing diverse neighborhoods together.

The diverse lineup of Milwaukee’s top bands this year includes Abby Jeanne, Sista Strings, Reyna, No No YEAH OK, Collection of Colonies of Bees and Extra Crispy Brass Band.

For the first time this season, in partnership with the Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee Center For Independence, young children in need who attend a concert will be offered a free meal from food trucks serving the public during each event.

Washington Park Wednesdays was launched with the 2017 season, which attracted nearly 10,000 residents to enjoy free music and dynamically curated activities. The creative fundraising initiatives continue to build on this momentum for the 2018 series that celebrates the park and its diverse surrounding communities.

The Washington Park Bandshell is an unrivaled venue of historical and cultural significance, as well as community access. The bandshell, formally called the Blatz Temple of Music, was funded with a donation from beer baron Emil Blatz and opened to a crowd of more than 40,000 people in 1938. The bandshell seats 8,500 and in its heyday hosted top musical artists such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

The series takes place weekly (except for July 4th) from 5:00 p.m. to 9pm Wednesdays from June 27 through August 29. The summer concert series welcomes new bands, returning favorites, an extended list of food vendors and brand-new super-fun activities to enjoy in the park. Exclusive theme nights, sponsored by area businesses, draw sellers from all over the city looking to share novel dining options and local beverage pairings as well as to connect and strengthen our city’s distinct neighborhoods.

Washington Park Wednesdays will be produced in partnership with Summerfest, Uptown Crossing, Town Bank, WHNA and Quorum Architects. With Community Partners the Brew City Bruisers, Roll Train, the Urban Ecology Center and Artists Working in Education. These collaborations will bring bike-friendly nights, roller skating, girl power, city nostalgia and celebrations of culture to the Wednesday events.

Washington Park Neighbors is a diverse group of neighbors and community members serving the Washington Park area. The group works together with businesses, neighborhood groups and community members to make Washington Park an impressive place to visit for concerts, arts and entertainment in the summer. Visit us here and on Facebook and Instagram for a new crowd-funding initiative, history, band and vendor info as well as sponsorship opportunities.

Image by Carlos Castilla on Shutterstock.com