Lunch series draws weekly crowd

A tarp, mic stands and an amplifier or two. \nThis is the setting at People's Park (located across the street from Kilroys on Kirkwood) every Tuesday afternoon, and is part of the People's Park lunch series, which runs from mid-May to Oct. 8. From noon till 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, different local musicians bring their own style of music to the Bloomington community.\nLeslie Kaiser, community events specialist for the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office, said the idea behind the series is to help people enjoy some live music while on their lunch break.\n"We attract anywhere from 40 to 80 people every week," Kaiser said. "For a series that's only been around for a year, I think we've been fairly successful. I'd encourage people to come out, if only for the variety of music."\nA variety of musicians have played this year, including Janssen Jones (bluegrass), Craig Brenner (jazz/blues), The Mary Janes (country), Orion Winds (classical), the Bloomington Brass Quintet (classical), Old City Trio (bluegrass/country) and Jason Fickel (country/blues) among others. The concept of lunch in the park is complemented well by the music, and shows are largely casual affairs with people coming and going as they please.\n"You set up your stuff, play your show and leave," Steve Sobiech said. "It's a very relaxed atmosphere. Literally, just like playing in a park." \nSobiech, who plays music ranging from South African to Brazilian, is set to play on Oct. 8. He said one of the advantages of playing in the afternoon is that he reaches different types of people.\n"Playing in the afternoon lets you perform in front of a different audience," he said. "It's a welcome change from the usual nighttime crowd." \nNothing draws attention more than a crowd of people, and judging by the turnout each Tuesday, it's nice to see that local artists are getting some much needed support, Kaiser said. The Parks and Recreation office, which organizes similar concerts for other parks in town, enables local musicians to get more exposure than they normally would if they simply performed in bars or clubs. Kaiser said new performers get to showcase their material in a casual setting and in front of a moderately sized audience. \n"I really think the Parks and Recreation office are doing an excellent job supporting local talent," said Bloomington resident Jason Fickel, who performed this year as well as last year. "Giving artists a chance to play their material in this manner is a great idea for old and new bands."\nPeople's Park Lunch series will be held from noon to 1:30 on Tuesday Oct. 1 and Oct. 8.