Free concerts in the park will be returning to Staples for a second year this summer.
The concerts will be held on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Northern Pacific Park across from the Government Center at 611 Iowa Avenue NE. The first concert will be on July 9th and will feature singer Pat Surface, accompanied by fiddle player Eli Bissonett. The concerts will run through August 20.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Pat was abandoned to the foster care system. He finally was adopted when he was 2 into a family with a formidable musical legacy - the LaPlants. Through these award-winning musicians and instrument-builders, Pat's love of traditional music was formed.
Pat grew to be 6 foot 8 inches tall, and became an all-star basketball player. But music called, and in 1985 Pat began performing and touring. Singing and playing his hand-built LaPlant guitars, Pat has performed at churches, schools, colleges, and festivals from "sea to shining sea." He has reached over 20 million people and has recorded 15 CDs. His music is "Americana," combining traditional with contemporary - that blends Folk, Celtic, Gospel, and Bluegrass. Pat calls it "Folkgrass." Pat's original compositions are compelling pieces that celebrate God, love, and family - underscored by his passion for the environment.
Also appearing with Pat will be Eli Bissonett on fiddle. Eli was born in Savolinna, Finland. His family moved to Ely, Minnesota in 1979 when he was just a few months old. He has a degree in Violin Performance from the University of Minnesota, but this classically trained virtuoso also plays a mean fiddle! Eli enjoys playing various styles of music including: Folk, Jazz, Eastern European, Celtic, and Classical.
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The Music in the Park Series is funded by the Staples Host Lions Club. The Series is organized by the Staples Motley Area Arts Council with the assistance of the Staples Motley Public Schools and the City of Staples.
