Rocky Wall Productions announced that world renowned recording artist and performer of live music Charlie Parr will open the 2023 season of the Silver Bay Music In The Park Concert Series at a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 14th at City Center Park in downtown Silver Bay. “We are thrilled that Charlie Parr has agreed to kick off our concert season for the second year in a row. He was so happy with his experience last year that he welcomed the opportunity to be with his Silver Bay friends again to open our third season of live music,” said Rocky Wall Productions President Nelson French.
Fans who have been following Charlie Parr through his recording career and decades of non-stop touring already know that the Duluth-based songwriter has a way of carving a path straight to the gut. His voice sounds weary but insistent, his accompaniment sparse and sorrowful. By the second line, the listener has no choice but to be transported on a journey through the burrows of his troubled mind, following him through shadowy twists and turns as he searches for a way out.
“Parr’s ability to paint us a picture of his surroundings is astounding. His keen, empathic eye for the human experience can be mind-blowing in its specificity, whether he’s recounting his day or placing us on a creek bed in the rain beside him.” said Maeri Furgeson, in a review of Charlie in No Depression, The Journal of Roots Music.
Charlie Parr is an American country blues musician. Born in Austin, Minnesota, he spent part of his childhood in Hollandale before starting his music career in Duluth. His influences include Charlie Patton, Bukka White, Reverend Gary Davis, Dave Van Ronk, and Mississippi John Hurt. He plays a Mule resonator, National resonator guitar, a fretless open-back banjo, and a twelve-string guitar, often in the Piedmont blues style.
This FREE outdoor concert will be held on Friday night, July 14th at Silver Bay’s City Center Park near City Hall. You are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and blanket for comfort. Feel free to show up downtown anytime after 6:00 pm. Emma’s Kitchen and Magic’s Wraps food trucks plan to be on site to meet your food and beverage needs. They will be present before and during the concert.
Our second concert of the season will be on Friday, July 21st and will feature The Tommy Bentz Band from River Falls, WI. Tommy’s distinct blend of southern jam style rock and acoustic singer-songwriter flair is rounded out by his experience in jazz and classical performance. “I know Tommy and his band are excited to perform in Silver Bay with the beautiful view of Lake Superior backing them up.” said board member Lisa Berg.
These are all-weather shows. In the case of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the Reunion Hall, 97 Outer Drive, Silver Bay.
Rocky Wall Productions is a Silver Bay based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization producing and promoting live music in Silver Bay and on Lake Superior’s North Shore from Duluth to Grand Portage. This is our third year of bringing the best of Americana Music to the North Country for enjoyment by residents and visitors alike. More information at www.rockywallproductions.org.
The 2023 SILVER BAY MUSIC IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES is made possible by grants from Lovin’ Lake County; The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation; Minnesota Power Foundation; and Minnesota Energy Resources Foundation; and donations to Rocky Wall Productions from Cleveland Cliffs; Lucky Club Entertainment, LLC; Thrivent Financial North Shore Financial Group; True Source, LLC; VanHouse Services, LLC; Full Sun Services, LLC; Lisa Berg & David Drown; North Shore Land & Cabins; Odyssey Operating Company, LLC; Whitetail Ridge Association; Marilyn & Nelson French; Diana Carey & Charlie Huskins; Nancy Hylden & Peter McLaughlin; Julies Variety & Hardware; Sherri & Steve Pribyl; Gary Zintner; Lakeview Hospital-Clinic; LutZen Reflections, LLC; Jill & Andy Beim; North Shore Federal Credit Union; Norshor Agency; Victoria & Gary Stevens; Emily & Jim White; Adams Automotive; Lana & Larry Fralich; Homestead Dental; Crystal & Wade LeBlanc; Amy Grillo & Gene LaFond; BRI-ESA’S Convenience Store, LLC; and Zup’s of Silver Bay.
Generous in-kind donations have also been provided by the City of Silver Bay; Two Harbors Media; Lovin’ Lake County; Nancy & Jerry LaVigne; Best of the North Shore; Lake County Press; Cook County News-Herald; Northern Wilds Magazine; Duluth Reader; Northshore Journal; Lisa Berg & David Drown, and Nelson and Marilyn French.
Tax-deductible donations to help support these concerts are accepted. Donations to support Rocky Wall Productions can be mailed to RWP, 5418 Rocky Wall Rd, Silver Bay, MN 55614. For more information email Nelson French at ntf5418@gmail.com
