The music begins with the Crusin’ at the Park procession of classic cars on Friday night, Sept. 23. The parade will begin at about 7 p.m., and trail through Doniphan to end at the courthouse with an open-air concert.
Coordinator Rick Yates says Friday will mark the end of the summer season for Crusin’ at the Park, but he feels this concert has the potential to be the “best yet.”
To that end, he says he has a special treat in store. He has booked Redline, a young band which hails from nearby Alton.
“These boys are only 18 to 20 years old, but they are excellent performers,” says Yates.
He said Redline is well beyond its age in terms of talent, and he is excited to have the opportunity to introduce the band to Doniphan.
“I really expect great things ahead for Redline,” Yates predicts.
He says the concert Friday night will feature music from the 70s, 80s and 90s genre.
“We have seen our best growth this year in our Cruisin' at the Park music show. In fact, we have had bigger crowds and better bands this past season than ever. In May we had more than 70 cars in the show,” says Yates.
He says cars have been brought in from “all over,” to merge with the Doniphan classic car culture, in particular, some from Puxico, Ellington, Clarkton, Fisk, and of course, Poplar Bluff.
Yates says he hopes that the finale will bring out record breaking participation.
Pickin’ at the Square Fall Super Jam will take place from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday night.
Kicking off the afternoon and evening of live music will be local talent, Buzzard Run.
Yates says “We have several bands and individual singers listed to come, and others are still pending.”
Also scheduled to appear will be Stay the Sane, Crossroads Band, the Aaron Donnell Band, Paul Hare, Jared Stark and Sarah Grace.
Yates says, “We don’t really know how long the music will last. We will go as late as people are willing to hang around.”
He said last year’s Jam was planned as part of the Heritage Day activities.
“We aren’t really a part of Heritage Day, but we are an extension. Things are usually winding down about that time of the afternoon. It seemed like a good time for us to get started, while we already have a crowd,” he says.
He said the Pickin’ at the Square concerts will last as long as weather permits.