The 35th season of the Buttermilk Festival concert series has been announced by the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band. In addition to serving as the resident ensemble, the Symphonic Band hosts and produces the free, summer-long festival at the Wifler Performance Center in Buttermilk Creek Park, 801 S. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac.
This year’s guest artist line-up this year will feature the return of Wisconsin’s own, internationally-renown Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra on June 19, their 23rd Festival appearance since the Festival’s inception in 1989. New to our stage will be Kate Voss and The Hot Sauce on July 31, featuring Oshkosh vocalist Kate Voss with a 6-piece band swinging to favorite covers from Ray Charles, Brenda Lee, Chuck Berry, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Nancy Sinatra and more. Also scheduled are a concert by the Fondy High and Middle School Summer Bands on July 17, and popular returning favorites: Dorf Kapelle on June 26 and Kids From Wisconsin on August 14.
The theme of the Symphonic Band’s opening concert on June 12 is “Hands Across the Sea,” and on July 10 they will present “A Night at the Theatre.” The annual Family Concert on July 24 will be “A Tribute to John Williams.” “Kings and Queens of Pop” is the theme on August 7, and “Fan Favorites and Alumni Night” will wrap up the summer series on August 21. The Band’s local summer appearances, which are sponsored by the City of Fond du Lac, also include the July 4 Americana Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Park preceding the fireworks on the lakefront.
A concession stand, hosted by area non-profit groups, will be available at each concert. A limited number of lawn chairs are available at the park, but it is suggested that concert goers bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. While all Buttermilk Festival concerts are free of charge, free-will offering will be received to help defray costs. In the event of unsuitable weather, concerts will be moved to the Fond du Lac County fairgrounds.
For further information on the Festival, check out the events on the Band’s Facebook page.