The free concert series ‘Live After 5’ returns on Friday | News, Sports, Jobs

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The free concert series Live After 5 returns to West End Park on Friday. A different band will perform every Friday in July, kicking off with local favourites Exit 185 (pictured).

Live music, food vendors and an outdoor performance space make up Live After 5, a concert series taking place Fridays in July from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the West End Park Amphitheater, kicking off on Friday with music from Exit 185, a local cover band.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Orpheum Theater (FOOT), a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving local theater history and providing artistic entertainment to the public. The concert series was previously held in the parking lot behind the Orpheum and later behind the Tremont, and was moved to West End Park last year.

“Overall, the new location has worked out pretty well. We had hot weather and moved it to the MHS auditorium on a Friday last year,” said FOOT President Bob Moore. “But because the Orpheum and auditorium are school property, we couldn’t serve alcohol.”

Moore explained that revenue from beer and wine sales helps sustain the concert series each year.

“We’ve never charged admission,” he added. “We’re not doing this to make a lot of money. Drink sales allow us to finance the next year to hire the bands. It’s not profitable, but it’s doing well enough to cover our expenses.”

He added that in the future, FOOT would like to have the option to purchase sound equipment so that bands do not have to bring their own.

“Live After 5 is our main project right now,” he said. “We used to have things like 18 Men Who Cook and wine tastings.”

Next up on July 12 is Buckmiller Schwager, a band that plays upbeat originals and authentic blues classics and is the winner of the Best of Story County “Live Music Artist” for 2023.

On July 19, Jesse and the Medicine Men will play classic country music.

“This is a new group for Live After 5,” Moore added. “I like that we can bring in some new band talent. I think Live After 5 has become an institution in Marshalltown and it’s a way for us to showcase local bands and give some bands a chance to get exposure.”

The fourth and final concert on July 26th will be performed by the Baldy Holly Band from Newcastle, England, who will play rock’n’roll classics from the 50s.

“They’re back by popular demand,” Moore said. “They’re a hugely popular band in England. They travel all over England and Europe. We brought them in last year because they happened to be in town for another event and we snapped them up. They’re bringing Sherry Holley, Buddy Holly’s niece. That’s a nice little bonus that we can bring in.”

Food trucks you can expect to see throughout the series include Clare’s Tenderloins, Lillie Mae and Tacos La Cruz. Coordinator Linda Moore said food vendors for the final concert are still being identified. In addition to food and alcohol, water will also be sold.

Moore said hosting “Live After 5” at West End Park in the 13th Street District was a positive experience, along with the 13th Street District Committee and Parks and Rec.

“We’re excited to partner with outside organizations to put on events in Marshalltown and at our parks,” said Geoff Hubbard, Parks and Recreation Director. “These are great community-wide events that the Parks and Recreation Department couldn’t put on alone. I love it when someone comes to hear the live music and says they’ve never been to West End Park. So these events help showcase all the great parks and amenities we have in Marshalltown.”

Attendees should bring beach chairs, sunscreen and insect repellent. Outside beverages are not permitted at the event and pets are not allowed. Outdoor restrooms will be available. Arrive early to get a good seat.

Volunteers are needed to help set up and serve drinks on July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Alcohol servers must complete an online training session that takes about an hour.

For more information or to register for alcohol service and training, call or text Bob Moore at: 641-750-2853.