For Hamilton County Parks Dept. officials, more might be better with the Cool Creek Summer Concert Series.
“The demand last year to extend the popular concert series into August was so great that the department decided to test the concept of staging six performances this year,” said Don Nicholls, resource development specialist for Hamilton County Parks. “If it goes well, we’ll look into making it a permanent addition to the series.”
The 24th annual Cool Creek Concert Series, sponsored by the Clay Township Trustee Office and Board, is held at Cool Creek Park, 2000 E. 151st Street, Carmel/Westfield.
The concerts begin with Cook and Belle June 15, followed by My Yellow Rickshaw June 22, Blue River Band June 29, Polkaband July 13 and ESB July 20 and The Flying Toasters Aug. 3. Blue River Band is appearing for the first time.
“Twice, the band has won the 8 Seconds Saloon ‘Country Battle of the Bands,’ and we’re looking forward to this group of talented country musicians lighting up our stage,” Nicholls said. “The park staff works diligently to research and book a variety of music genres for our fans. Because this event is a series, we are able to do just that. However, the one common characteristic that we demand of all performers being considered is that they engage our fans.”
Nicholls said attendance varies based on weather conditions, band following and other events taking place in the area. But he said a typical season attracts approximately 6,000 concert fans.
“With the introduction of a sixth concert this year, we anticipate exceeding that average by 1,500 to 2,000,” Nicholls said. “One significant distinction that fans have come to appreciate over the past 24 years at our concerts is the atmosphere. The beautiful park setting and family focused activities, ranging from the launch of a Gerber Collision hot air balloon to a marriage proposal on stage during a concert intermission, illustrate that this is a concert series for the fans. It truly is their concert. Hamilton County Parks just provides the park and the music. Our fans provide the party.”
Admission is $5, the same as it was in 1994. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Discount series passes are available. Gates open at 6 p.m. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at 9:15 p.m. For complete concert series details, visit MyHamiltonCountyParks.com. Information concerning sponsorship, volunteer and vending opportunities is available at 317-770-4404.
