Let the music move you
Courtesy photo The Rhythm Dawgs light up the evening during a Handshake Productions summer concert series performance in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The 2019 free concerts begin in Coeur d’Alene City Park on July 7, Sherman Square Park on July 9 and in McIntire Family Park in Hayden on July 11.
Courtesy photo The Kelly Hughes Band gets the crowd up and line dancing during a concert in Coeur d’Alene City Park. Handshake Productions is bringing free concerts back to North Idaho starting July 7.
LOREN BENOIT/Press Chris Guggemos, owner of Handshake Productions, poses for a portrait in Sherman Square Park on Tuesday. Handshake Productions’ free summer concert series begins the 2019 season on July 7.
It's time to kick off those shoes and dance barefoot in the grass.
Or, if you prefer, do a little lawn chair boogie.
The free summer concert series, presented by Handshake Productions, returns to three locations in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden starting July 7.
The series is celebrating 27 years — 25 of those years in Coeur d'Alene City Park and 20 in McIntire Family Park in Hayden. The concerts began in 1992 in Sherman Square Park.
"People look for a reason to gather,” said Chris Guggemos, owner of Handshake Productions. "Music does bring people together."
Six new acts will be featured this year: the Justin James Band, the Theresa Edwards Band, Pastiche, What about Bob?, the Colby Acuff Band and Spare Parts.
"The Justin James Band, this guy is truly a rising star," Guggemos said. "He writes music, he sings, plays fiddle, mandolin, guitar. He learned a lot from playing with Kelly Hughes. He’s quite the entertainer. He’s going to take his fiddle right out into the audience and play."
Pastiche will bring the party sound to the concert series, playing off-the-beaten-path danceable tunes that will trigger some memories.
"They play a lot of rock and roll songs that I just don’t hear other bands performing,” Guggemos said. "They are a dance band."
Returning are also a number of local favorites, including the Rhythm Dawgs, Coeur d'Alene Big Band and Charlie Butts and the Filter Tips.
“The Rhythm Dawgs last year, they played for me out in Hayden and I had 500 people in the park at one time," Guggemos said. "That is the largest crowd I’ve ever had for the Rhythm Dawgs at any location, and I first booked them in 1993."
The concerts are family-friendly and open to all. They're sponsored by businesses, families, city governments and civic groups. Food will be available at all locations. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Performances will be Sundays in Coeur d'Alene City Park from 1 to 4 p.m. starting July 7; Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Sherman Square Park, 316 E. Sherman Ave. starting July 9; and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in McIntire Family Park, 8930 N. Government Way, Hayden, beginning July 11.
Info: http://handshakeproductions.net