Two-day music fest features country, rock
Benefit for families impacted by Autism
By Laurie Lenten
On Sept. 13 and 14, the Bonnie and Clyde Gangster Park in Harshaw will provide the backdrop for the two-day Country Rocks Autism music festival.
According to event promoter Lee Simanec, this year’s annual weekend music festival, which traditionally coincides with the Tomahawk Fall Ride, will raise money for a very special project that will benefit area families that are impacted by autism.
“This year’s concert, which is always held during the Fall Ride weekend, is being held as a fundraiser to benefit autism projects in the Northwoods,” said Simanec. “More specifically, the monies raised will go towards building a $450,000 heated equine center at the Scholl Community Impact Group in Winchester, complete with classrooms, in order to provide year-round equine therapy for children with autism, physical challenges, or who are victims of bullying.”
The benefit concert is the combined effort of the Lakeland STAR School in Minocqua, which opened last year to serve the educational needs of autistic children; the Sholl Community Impact Group, which brings children with autism together with horses to enhance physical development and build social skills; and the Howard Young Foundation, which is providing administrative oversight for the event.
Students from the Lakeland STAR School utilize the services of the Scholl Community Impact Group, said Simanec.
“These kids go all the way to Winchester for classes and equine therapy and inclement weather often keeps them from riding. A heated arena will make year-round usage of the programming available not only for the STAR students, but for all of the families that benefit from the Scholl Community Impact Group.”
If you go
Simanec said the two-day music festival will bring both local and national talent to the stage.
Friday’s line-up will feature Country music bands including: Jagwire – from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; Joe Wright – from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; the Lee Walker Show – from 4 to 5:50 p.m.; Natalie Murphy – from 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Barron, Wisconsin’s own Chris Kroeze, who appeared on “The Voice” – from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Nashville recording artist, Mo Pitney – from 8:30 to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, get ready for a Rock music line-up including: Wausau’s own Whitehouse – from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; a Harley Davidson fan favorite, Bobby Friss, – from 3 to 4:45 p.m.; Tomahawk Rockers, STORM, – from 5:15 to 7 p.m.; and headliner, Brian Howe, former lead singer of Bad Company, – from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Saturday’s events will also feature “Burn Out Contest” from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m., which said Simanec, is a fan favorite on Fall Ride weekend.
Concessions will be provided by the Minocqua Lions Club with food being donated by Trig’s. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will also be available.
The event will be held rain or shine with gates opening daily at 11:30 a.m. There is no cost for parking and shuttles will be available at the overflow parking area. The event is handicap accessible. Lawn chairs can be brought into the event.
Tickets for the event are $30 per person for one-day general admission and $50 per person for two-day weekend admission. Children under age five are free.
Tickets can be purchased at Trig’s in Minocqua and at the Lakeland Times. One-day admission tickets, however, must be purchased online. While a limited number of two-day weekend admission tickets will be available at the gate, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
For more information on Country Rocks Autism or to purchase tickets, log onto:
www.eventbrite.com/e/country-rocks-autism-concert-September-13th-and-14th-tickets-61610335171.
Laurie Lenten is a freelance writer who lives in Rhinelander. Her articles also appear in Northwoods Commerce, Northwoods ‘boomers and Beyond and Living on the Lake magazines.
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