Get ready to rock, swing and boogie

Handshake Productions Summer Concert Series returns for 29th year

CDA Big Band has weathered many a storm.

Since its origins dating to the early 1900s as the Coeur d'Alene Elks Club Marching Band, its members have seen multiple wars, natural disasters and — then and now — public health calamities.

But the show must go on, even if it means rehearsing in a cemetery.

"It was super weird when we first went there," trombone player Stan Schedler said Wednesday, with a bit of a chuckle. "Last week it was sunny. We were all out playing. We thought the 'residents' might get a kick out of hearing a tune."

Schedler said the reason the band has access to the Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens is because one of the members is Bruce English of English Funeral Chapels. The open-air setting allows for enough social distancing to safely rehearse. The 18th was the first time the band had been together in three months because of the pandemic.

"We just set up outside around the back door there last week and it worked pretty well," Schedler said.

Wherever the 18-piece CDA Big Band decides to practice or perform, it is well known to get toes tapping as it plays swing, waltz and Latin songs from a bygone era.

"One thing I like about CDA Big Band is they play the original big band music from the '30s into the '50s before rock and roll took over," said Chris Guggemos, owner of Handshake Productions. "A lot of other big band swing orchestras will throw in other versions of contemporary music. They just play these old songs that we watch a movie from the '40s and you think, 'Hey, CDA Big Band plays that song.'"

That CDA Big Band Sound will open Handshake Productions' Summer Concert Series in McIntire Family Park in Hayden next month. The band will be set up differently this year, to adhere to safety guidelines, but the band members are ready to start off a swingin' summer.

"We're going to set up on a concrete dance floor," Schedler said. "It's our first live concert since COVID hit."

This will be the 29th summer for Guggemos' Summer Concert Series. The performances, featuring an eclectic variety of bands and artists, will take place Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. in Coeur d'Alene City Park starting July 5, Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Sherman Square Park starting July 7 and from 6 to 8:30 Thursdays in McIntire Family Park starting July 9.

"It's become a part of the fabric of the community," Guggemos said of the series. "I’m feeling good about that, and very grateful that the concerts will take place this summer."

One new act this year is Northbound Bluegrass Band, which will play in Coeur d'Alene City Park.

"They have the five traditional bluegrass instruments: guitar, banjo, standup bass, mandolin and fiddle," Guggemos said. "And lots of beautiful harmonies in their music. They are a true traditional bluegrass band with the traditional instrumentation and the harmonies. They're a nice addition."

Dr. Phil and the Enablers will be playing Sherman Square Park in July. With influences including Eric Clapton, B.B. King, the Grateful Dead and Bill Withers, these guys tout themselves as being "Coeur d'Alene's most rockin' blues band!"

"They'll be playing a lot of dance music," Guggemos said. “I’m happy to get them in this year. And Dr. Phil, he is a medical doctor. And he’s the lead guitar player in the band."

With each venue being outside, guests will have plenty of room to physically distance as they enjoy the shows. Food will be available at all locations. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

All concerts are free, sponsored by local businesses, families, city governments and civic groups to bring the joy of live music to North Idaho.

Guggemos, who has weathered his own storms with health in the past, said he's feeling grateful and blessed that he's been able to make a living bringing free community concerts to the area for nearly 30 years.

"I still have people who will stop me on the street and they say, 'Hey Music Man! When do the concerts start? And by the way, how is your health?'" he said. "It's a special feeling to have these people for the love and the caring that’s expressed. It’s pretty special."

Info: www.handshakeproductions.net or 208-667-3162