Summer is here and so are free, outdoor concerts suitable for all ages.  However, the once highly-anticipated Brown Bag series and Thursday evening shows at the Gage Park Amphitheater have halted due to city budget cuts.

Despite the decrease in performances, this summer still allows for some free music outside and we encourage you to support these musicians, most who are volunteering their time and talent to entertain Topeka.  Music is important to our community’s culture.  Show your support and let your councilperson know that the arts shouldn’t be cut from budgets.

12 Free Concerts are scheduled this summer including one Monday, June 7 by the North Topeka Community Band at Garfield Park.  The band is supported by the North Topeka ON The Move Association.

The Marshall’s Civic Band kicked off the summer series at Gage Park Amphitheatre last Sunday with a fanfare of military marches and patriotic hymns.

One Thursday evening concert is scheduled at Gage Park on June 24 where you can hear the 35 Infantry Division Band of the Kansas Army National Guard.

Summer Concert Series [shows begin at 7:30 pm.  FREE]

Sunday, June 6: Topeka Santa Fe Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

Monday, June 7: North Topeka Community Band, Garfield Park

Sunday, June 13: Topeka Jazz Workshop Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

Thursday, June 24: 35th Infantry Division Band, Kansas Army National Guard, Gage Park Amphitheater

Sunday, June 27: Topeka Santa Fe Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

Monday, June 28: North Topeka Community Band, Garfield Park

Sunday, July 11: Marshall’s Civic Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

Monday, July 12: North Topeka Community Band, Garfield Park

Sunday, July 18: Topeka Jazz Workshop Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

Sunday, July 25: Topeka Santa Fe Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

Sunday, Aug. 1: Marshall’s Civic Band, Gage Park Amphitheater

[June 2010 | Kerrice Mapes | photo by Matt Porubsky]