By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
Two faith communities in the Diocese of Davenport are hosting outdoor concerts this summer.
Church of All Saints Parish in Keokuk invites parishioners to gather friends and family for an MJM7 concert July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Rand Park Bandshell. Organizers ask guests to bring a blanket or chairs to the outdoor event.
“Mainly, it’s a nice event to simply enjoy the summer and rejoice in the reprieve from the pandemic,” said Trevor Pullinger, pastoral associate of All Saints Parish in Keokuk and parish life coordinator of St. Joseph Parish in Montrose. The Keokuk parish chose to host this event after the cancellation of some summer events, including Totus Tuus. “Our summer plans had been dashed again by COVID and we were looking for simple, one-time events.” MJM7 describes itself as a Catholic family band.
He hopes the event will be “approachable for everyone and anyone who may have interest,” including those not currently associated with the church.
St. Joseph Parish in Hills and St. Mary parishes in Lone Tree and Nichols are teaming up to host an outdoor concert series the fourth Saturday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Hills Ballpark.
“This is a new event,” said Deanna Ollendick, a member of the parish cluster helping to organize the concert series. The Hills ballpark debuted a new stage before the COVID-19 pandemic began. The ballpark was silent last year, but this year the city of Hills hosted a Music in the Park series on Thursday evenings, beginning in June through the first week of July. The three parishes decided to host their own concert series to “continue the music momentum.”
Old Man Band will perform July 24. Banjoy will perform Aug. 28. Great Bluegrass Herons Band will perform Sept. 25. Banjoy and the Great Bluegrass Herons Band will perform as a combo Oct. 23.
At each event, guests may purchase food from La Reyna’s food truck, Moo Moo Ice Cream’s food truck and the Hills Ballpark concession stand.
“Bring your lawn chair and hang out with us for a wonderful time at the park,” Ollendick said.