Concert in the Park makes 2018 debut
Dust off your picnic basket and get ready for this year’s music series at The Woodland’s Township’s annual Concert in the Park series at Northshore Park. The fun begins Sunday as Led Zeppelin tribute band Black Dog kicks off the series March 4.
Some of the music acts to follow feature an ’80s cover band called Time Warp, country music artist Buck Yeager Band and variety pianist Russell Boyd. The series, which includes six concerts, continues through midApril, said Chris Nunes, The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation director.
“This family-oriented event brings music into the parks, which is always a positive experience for residents,” Nunes said.
Concert goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the family-friendly concerts. Some residents even enjoy the music while floating on the water in their boats, Nunes noted.
“We have people who will just mosey up in their boats who have launched from the boathouse or from the park,” Nunes said. “They will take a spin around before the concert and then head toward to the park to listen to the music and relax in their own environment. It’s a different perspective to the concert.”
On March 25, in conjunction with the performance of the classic rock band The Guppies, guests are invited to participate in the seventh Annual Sand Castle Building Contest at Northshore Park. The sand will be provided for the contest, and contestants need only bring a shovel.
Township Recreation Superintendent Pamela Woods said a food vendor serving sno-cones is available for an icy snack.
Nunes said a food truck for more substantial fare may be available on some occasions and depends on who is sponsoring the concert that particular Sunday.
Woods said although the music starts at 5:30 p.m., guests are welcome to come before the concert and enjoy the park.
“It’s a traditional event in The Woodlands, and families of all ages can enjoy the weather and park and good music,” she said.
Woods warned residents to keep an eye out for the weather each Sunday during the series. If there is a rainstorm, the event could be subject to cancellation, due to the risk to the electrical equipment the bands use for their performances.
Nunes said the restrooms in the park were just renovated and are now open to guests, and he said the parking lot was just expanded so parking is available for everyone.
The concert series dates back to the late ’80s, Nunes said. Northshore Park, which is a waterfront space with playgrounds, picnic spots and a field, was chosen as the venue for the event because, as one of the largest parks, it can accommodate a large crowd.
Nunes said Concert in the Park is just one of the series offered to residents in an effort to bring cultural activities to The Woodlands, adding that the selection process for which acts will perform is a multi-faceted process. The programming staff takes inquiries from bands about their performances. Then they review YouTube footage and conduct further online research to see how the band sounds and looks to get a feel for the bands’ overall appeal. Nunes suggested there may be other events and venues, beside Concert in the Park, where bands will be invited to perform and invites bands to submit their portfolios for consideration.
“There’s nothing better than relaxing on a Sunday evening with the family coming together and seeing a concert,” Nunes said. “The concerts are family oriented, and it’s about families coming together and having a great time, finishing their week together.”