PRINT(Almost) free music
Summerfest helps Columbia residents shake the midweek blues
Michelle Peltier
Ben Folds and his band perform for the Ninth Street Summerfest in Columbia on May 27. Fans gathered early to grab prime spots at the front of the stage.
June 10, 2009 | 12:00 p.m. CST
As the sun sets on a few Wednesday nights this summer, Ninth Street will shut down as part of Summerfest. This series brings together moms, dads, teens and children to listen to music and alleviate their summer blues. Some people come out for the company, some because they like to drink beer in public, and some just because they love music. Whatever the reason, it’s a good way to get you through the week.
On these nights the busy downtown street becomes nearly unrecognizable. A huge stage is erected, and the Jamaican Jerk Hut, normally housed at Mojo’s, sets up its trailer to feed the masses.
Related ArticlesSome lucky people get to sit in the VIP seats, which are comfy-looking recliners set on risers. To get that luxury, though, you have to win a KBXR radio contest. Whether you’re sitting or standing, alone or with friends, it’s easy to see that an outdoor Wednesday concert helps relieve the stresses that you’ve accumulated through the week. It will to give you the boost you need to make it to Friday.
Richard King, owner of The Blue Note, founded this event with the former owner of W.g. Grinder’s on Ninth Street about five years ago so the community would have safe and enjoyable activities to do during the summer.
“We’d like to see a lot of families in June; our goal is to keep it family-friendly,” King says.
The event certainly does bring out families, evident by the teens who lean on walls reading books while they wait for the performance to begin and the toddlers who roam free. “It’s fine for families,” says Heather Yates while watching after her toddler. “It’s not like a festival with a lot of drug use.”
The music is also entertaining enough to attract repeat visitors.
“I like the set-up; I had a good time last year and thought I’d do it again,” says Libbie Hoskins, a Columbia resident.
The festival kicked off in May with the braided country music legend Willie Nelson. The month finished up with indie singer Ben Folds. These concerts both had prices of more than $20, but King says the idea is to have as many free shows as possible.
Hoskins did pay to go to the Ben Folds show and to see Death Cab For Cutie last year, but she said she really wished it had been cheaper. If you have a family of three or more, the cost can get expensive. Some people opt not to pay the ticket price and choose to stand around outside the entrances for free. Although they can’t see the performer, they can still hear the music.
The rest of this year’s line-up looks promising:
6/24- Roomful of Blues: As the name suggests, this band sings the blues, and it has been around since 1967. Show is free.
7/29- The Wallflowers: Jakob Dylan, son of the iconic Bob Dylan, is the vocalist for this group. They formed in 1990 and are influenced by the folk-rock genre that was popular in the ’60s. Show is free.
September- It’s a mystery as to who will close the series, but it’s sure to be someone who’s fabulous.
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Great article Jess. Wish I were able to come to Columbia to hear the bands. Maybe 7/29. You made it sound like good fun for all.
Posted by Mary Vaughan on Jun 11, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. (Report Comment)