The Dubuque Arts Council, in partnership with the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, will begin their spectacular, free 2022 summer series on Sunday evenings at 6:30-8:30 PM from June 5 to August 28 at the Arboretum (3800 Arboretum Drive). While attending the concerts, one can also stroll and relax in the grounds, feed the fish in the Koi Pond, or find whimsical and decorative accents for the home, yard, garden and patio in the Gardens Gift Shop.
This is a special year for the Dubuque Arts Council, as they are celebrating their 30th Anniversary with this season of music. The Music in the Gardens series began in July of 1992 with four artists: The Dubuque Brass; Daugherty, Davis & McPartland; and the Frontier Fiddle Band. The estimated cost was about $1,500. It has since included a total of 181 concerts, presenting a variety of music genres: symphony, pops, jazz, country, ‘60s & ‘7Os, classical, and blues. Approximately 2,000 adults and children attend each concert.
“As we’re about to start our 30th year of free concerts at the arboretum, I look back, and find it hard to believe just how far we’ve come.” –Music in the Gardens Committee Chairman Dave Grabel
For the 2022 Arboretum series, with a combined effort of both the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Dubuque Arts Council, concertgoers will enjoy 13 wonderful performances. The Arboretum’s series kicks off on June 5 with the Johnny Rogers Show – a tribute to the music of Buddy Holly and the legends of Rock n’ Roll. The Fortunate Sons will follow on June 12, playing the songs of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Beginning June 19 the Dubuque Arts Council will present six artists: Hunter Fuerste and His American Vintage Orchestra; The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra; Neil Berg’s “Greatest Piano Songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s;” ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s variety act Secrets; Chicago blues band David Weld & the Imperial Flames; Go Your Own Way (featuring the music of Fleetwood Mac); and finally song-and-dance band The Kids From Wisconsin with their Vegas-style production “Big Bang Boom Tour.”
Finishing the summer performances, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens presents local favorites Walking Molly and Tapestry (August 7 and 14). Winding up this year’s series will be funk and blues band Ten of Soul on August 21, followed by the August 28 grand finale: Iowa Rock & Roll Music Association Hall of Fame inductee Endless Summer.
In addition to this year’s concert series, there will be food and drink provided from Hy-Vee on Dodge and ice cream from the Dubuque Noon Lions Club.
New this year, during The Kids From Wisconsin’s July 31 performance, the Dubuque Arts Council will be giving away a picnic tote with an estimated value of $1,500 that includes two bottles of wine, and dinner for two at fifteen of the area’s finest restaurants and eating establishments.
Over the past 30 years, the Dubuque Arts Council and Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens have brought nearly 200 musical acts for a Sunday afternoon concert in the beautiful botanical garden. Each year, sponsors and friends make Music in the Gardens possible. Freewill donations are also accepted.
All are invited to bring a picnic, lawn chair, and favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy this great concert series for years to come.
The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was established in 1980 with 52 acres and is the largest in the United States staffed entirely by volunteers. Visitors can peruse the many gardens, without charge, daily throughout the year.
For more than 50 years, the Dubuque Arts Council has been bringing arts and education to tri-state students. Because the council believes arts appreciation is a life-long pursuit, they are proud to present Music In the Gardens in addition to their school programming.
For more information, visit DubuqueArtsCouncil.com or the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at DubuqueArboretum.net or call (563) 556-2100.
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