The 8th Street Band performs in the Central Park bandshell during Faribault Heritage Days. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo June 2019.
MY INABILITY TO READ a single musical note doesn’t diminish my appreciation for music. Rather I value all those vocalists and instrumentalists who enhance my life with the music they create.
A crowd gathers to hear The 8th Street Band. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo June 2019.
Here in Faribault, gifted musicians bring music to Central Park on Thursday summer evenings beginning at 7 p.m. as part of the free Concerts in the Park series. This has been ongoing now for 132 years. That’s a lot of music in a long string of concerts.
Tonight’s performance features the horn band Little Chicago with hits from the 60s and 70s. Songs from bands like Chicago, The Grass Roots and Blood, Sweat & Tears. My kind of music from my era.
Visiting, connecting during a performance by The 8th Street Band. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo June 2019.
I love the informality of these concerts where folks tote lawn chairs to the park and then settle in to listen to the music and to chat with other concert-goers. There’s a strong sense of community, a connectedness that comes from the universal language of music bringing people together.
A stuffed animal rests on a park bench (next to grandpa) during the Faribault Heritage Days celebration band concert. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo June 2019.
Together. We need more of that in today’s chaotic world where too many individuals fail to think before they speak or post on social media. A world where differences split peoples and anger spews and too many harsh words erupt.
The sun sets behind the bandshell as barbershoppers sing tunes ranging from “Sweet Caroline” to “God Bless America.” Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2015.
We need the language of music to envelope us, to take us away for an evening, to unite us in the commonality of something beautiful and lovely and freeing. We need the distraction of voices and of instruments as the sun shifts around the bandshell and slants across the grass, closing the day with song.
FYI: The July 18 concert also includes Free Art in the Park from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Local artist Kate Langlais will teach the basics of painting. Pre-register with the Faribault Parks & Recreation Department.
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I always appreciate summer concerts, or small impromptu gatherings where music is the focus – especially where the songs and lyrics are unknown. I cannot listen to satellite music or television productions much because I have issues with repetition – songs or jingles get stuck in my head for hours or days. And being at large concerts often irritate me because of the crowds and too many disruptions. There is something to be said about finding a bench to sit on or a blanket to camp out on, and just appreciate and listen to music and voice, and take in the moment peacefully.
I’m with you in appreciating the quiet and peaceful vs loud and crowded.