When the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens constructed the Packard Pavilion as a venue for outdoor concerts, the joined us and began presenting a number of our summer evening events that we call Music in the Gardens. We’re very grateful for their partnership through the years.
Held Sunday evenings at 6:30p — during June, July, and August — thousands of tri-state area residents gather on the lawn with family and friends to enjoy a wide variety of popular musical attractions that range from swing to country, jazz to blues, classical to show choirs on steroids, and more. Local, regional and national acts have played the Arboretum.
No admission | Free will offerings
June 4 | Sam and The Others | Classic Rock
Sam & The Others is a local 4-piece acoustic band that plays classic rock with a classical twist. The band features a young cello player who plays with the Dubuque Youth Symphony.
Presented by: The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Sponsor: Crawford Company North
Preview: Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road” cover
June 11 | Smith Jazz Studio | Jazz
Smith Studio Jazz is a 20-piece big band playing jazz arrangements and improvisational combos.
Sponsor: Diamond Jo Casino
Preview: “Beyond the Sea”
June 18 | Hunter Fuerste and The American Vintage Orchestra
Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra present an authentic recreation of the big band era, the music of 1935 to 1945. The show features recreations of the original hits of Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and many others. In addition to a fourteen-piece big band, the program features male and female soloists and a special tight harmony vocal group, The Penthouse Serenaders.
Presented by: The Dubuque Arts Council
June 25 | The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1958 and is the only professional orchestra within a 70-mile radius. The orchestra’s mission is to engage the tri-state community and enrich its quality of life through live musical performances and educational programs. Under the leadership of Music Director & Conductor Dr. William Intriligator, a core of 60 professional musicians reach nearly 20, 000 tri-state area residents on an annual basis. Highlights from the 2015-16 concert season include a fully-staged ballet production and residency program with world-renowned violinist Midori Goto. www.dubuquesymphony.org
July 2 | Jes Raymond & The Blackberry Bushes
Presented by: The Dubuque Arts Counci
July 9 | Bob Dorr & The Blue Band
The Blue Band is a 5- to 7-piece group whose sound ranges from blues, soul, rockabilly and rhythm and blues. Over the last 35 years, the Blue Band has evolved into a veritable Iowa All-Star collection of regular and alumni players. Providing a multi-generational, dedicated fan base, and making them one of Iowa’s most revered, storied, and requested bands.
Presented by: The Dubuque Arts Council
July 16 | Frieda Lee
July 23 | The Wave Runners
July 30 | Kids from Wisconsin
The Kids from Wisconsin performs a diverse repertoire of morale-boosting musical entertainment for audiences of all ages. This show offers a broad repertoire of music that includes American favorites, big band, 50s-80s classics, Motown, country, Broadway and current top hits, filling a two-hour, fully-staged performance from talented performers ages 15-20.
August 6 | Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen | Polka
Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen is a band based out of Mt Vernon, IA that plays polkas, waltzes, big band/country/two-step variety and a few party favorites!
Sponsor: Riley Subaru
Preview:
August 13 | Endless Summer | 1950s and 1960s
Listening to Endless Summer, an established nostalgia band, will make you feel like you’re in your convertible, with the top down, radio cranked-up, and cruising Main Street.
Sponsor: Fidelity Bank & Trust
Preview: “Midnight Confessions”
August 20 | Ralph Kluseman, Johnnie Walker and Friends
A celebration of the Beatles continues…but with a “twist and shout” out to some of the other great music of our time! Every song is instantly recognizable and you’ll find yourself singing along. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
Sponsor: Runde Auto Group
Preview: stay tuned!
August 27 | Dogs on Skis | Classic & Contemporary Rock and Roll
Dog on Skis features tight musicianship and layered vocal harmonies covering classic rock dance music from the 1950’s to the present.
Sponsor: US Bank
Preview: “Sweet Caroline”
Please join us for some beautiful music on our beautiful grounds! See you soon!
About Music in the Gardens bookings. Are you interested in booking your musical group for Music in the Gardens? We make our booking decisions for each summer season between October and December. Call our office at 563.556.2100.
