4 minute read
Music: Taking the Stage
JUST LISTEN:
It’s possible to find musicians strumming, plucking, blowing, or singing every week at the Iowa Great Lakes
While some cities might have strictly jazz-only clubs, open-mic-only bars, or country clubs, Okoboji’s venues offer equal-opportunity musical genres It’s like the weather—wait a week and it’ll change
So here’s where to go
YEAR ROUND
The Roof Garden Ballroom
The modern version of the 1923 ballroom hosts local and touring musical groups all year long What do you enjoy? Classic rock, ‘50s doo-wop, contemporary country, ‘90s hits, or big band jazz? The Roof Garden brings it all, even free Jazzed Up Big Band music Tuesdays all summer, and old time Rock ’N Roll in the Majestic Pavilion on Thursdays
Captain’s Getaway
Powered by trips to Nashville with one ear tuned to Sirius XM’s The Highway channel, Captain’s Getaway has become a hot performance venue for country music, presenting acts both up-and-coming and national headliners “What we are looking for is bands that have a great sound, with great songs, and (who) perform unforgettable shows,” says Captain’s Getaway’s Jason Christensen Look for around eight NashLO concerts (Nashville + Lake Okoboji, get it?) every year, plus at least one pop/rock show Tip: If you see Captain’s hosting a band you like, get tickets right away
Pearson Lakes Art Center
The 300-seat Lauridsen Theatre is home to 20+ performances annually, bringing in regional and nationally-known acts ranging from tribute bands of the ‘50s - 90s; Mondays, Pomerantz Hall downstairs hosts the locally famous Dick Bauman Big Band during the summer
The Ritz
Take your popular local bar/restaurant and periodically add equally popular local musicians throughout the year—typically weekends—and you get a good time for all
Little Swan Lake Winery
With locally produced wine and bison-based meals available, this rustic performance barn is home to folk, country, classic rock and jazz performers, typically Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays No admission charged
OUTDOOR SEASONAL
The Barefoot Bar
The late musician Jimmy Buffett would be proud, as this “sunny lakeside day bar” has championed live music with an awesome funloving atmosphere since it opened The Barefoot books around 30 performers in a summer with afternoon bands on weekends followed by higher-energy evening headline groups cranking it up all summer long Palm trees complete the Key West vibe
The Gardens
A spirited bar overlooking Okoboji, their Funset Sunset celebrations sign around 50 musicians every summer for the lakeside deck, which amounts to over 100 straight days of live music Late night music inside lights up every weekend, too
The Okoboji Store
The Okoboji Store’s outdoor patio is a big attraction due to its fun vibe and lakeside lookie-loo location between East and West Okobojis With a small covered stage housing performers, a play area nearby helps kids to burn off energy while parents enjoy a beverage and tap their toes to familiar musicians Look for popular midwest regional acts on weekends
Preservation Plaza Stage
“Lake Okoboji, who knew?” mused legendary recording artist Melissa Etheridge when awed by the new Preservation Plaza Stage This breathtaking venue offers all that any national touring group could want, plus a large and enthusiastic crowd to cheer them on Name your favorite musical genre group and chances are they will perform (or already have) at Preservation Plaza Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to come for the music—most are free with only a few paid shows—and stay for over-the-water fireworks after the show
Iowa Rock ’N Roll Hall of Fame Patio Noontime host on Saturdays to local favorites and the occasional Hall of Fame musician as well
The Wine Bar and Art Gallery sets up solo performers on the front patio to enjoy tunes with summertime sunsets
Farmers Market at the Park is the area’s premier Saturday morning social event! They play host to local favorites outside the Roof Garden Ballroom
POP-UP VENUES
Last-minute pop-up performance places offer delightful surprises:
• The Concert Deck Lounge next to the stage
• West O Taproom
• Drake’s Oak Hill
• Nektar’s in Arnolds Park
• Pick’s Resort hosts occasional front lawn concerts
• Rooftop bars on Broadway: Captain’s Getaway and Portside Pizza Crow’s Nest
