After enduring the pandemic-induced sociocultural isolation of recent years, it’s clear we will never again take for granted the ability to gather communally to see a live concert, go to a sporting event, or even take in the latest thriller at the local movie theater.
“There are aspects of the in-person music experience that just cannot be replicated in a live-streamed event,” noted Mike Molloy, longtime co-chair of the summer series. “The shared communal feeling of the crowd, the artists playing off the audience's energy… It was something we’d all been sorely missing. People were anxious to get back out there—to move and be moved—after the universal uncertainties and limitations of the pandemic.”
The Making Music Concert Series at Kirkwood Park draws enthusiastic music lovers from all over the entire metro region and beyond. Widely acclaimed for top-notch performers in a variety of genres and musical styles, this unique concert series produced by the Kirkwood Arts Commission promotes community engagement and celebrates the joy of fine music on summer Saturday evenings at Lions Amphitheater in Kirkwood Park.
The 2022 season includes a broad array of musical styles and talent, with something for everyone’s taste. Stellar bands on alternate Saturday nights perform jazz and soul, wind symphony music, bluegrass, country, rock, blues, Cajun/Creole/Zydeco, and ‘70s Americana music. The signature Fall Harvest Concert at Kirkwood Park’s Walker Lake on Oct. 8 will conclude the season and feature the band Rosewood, perhaps best known for its fine interpretations of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young classics among a repertoire of over 200 songs.
“The Lions Amphitheater’s space and feel are warm and inviting, nestled among the towering pine trees. It’s the perfect place for people to safely get out, see their friends, and experience a great concert,” Molloy concludes. An expansive lawn area of several acres complements the amphitheater’s stadium-style fixed seating.
As always, concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are welcome at the concerts. The series is made possible through generous support from presenting sponsor Kirkwood Electric, The Kirkwood Arts Foundation, and Kirkwood Parks and Recreation. The Kirkwood Arts Foundation’s Facebook page contains information about the series, as well as performing band profiles. All dates are Saturdays. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in Lions Amphitheater. Inclement weather information: 314-433-4313.
2022 Making Music Concert Series at Kirkwood Park
July 9 – RiverBend
Authentic traditional bluegrass
July 23 – Serapis
Rock, blues, Americana, reggae
Aug. 13 – Ross Bell Band
Traditional and Outlaw country
Aug. 27 – Southside Creole Playboys
Authentic Creole, Cajun, Zydeco
Fall Harvest Concert at Kirkwood Park’s Walker Lake
2 p.m.
Oct. 8 – Rosewood
‘60s & ‘70s Americana, country rock
