Crown Center WeekEnder Outdoor Concert Series Begins July 10

People craving live music during these Covid-bound times will be able to satisfy their ears at Crown Center beginning July 10 when the annual WeekEnder series resumes on its sprawling outdoor plaza.

“We felt like the square offered a wide space where people can sit in a chair and keep a safe distance from everybody else and enjoy the evening,” said Anne Deuschle, Crown Center marketing manager.

In a special collaborative event Saturday for the Fourth of July, Crown Center also is teaming with Union Station, the Westin and the National World War I Museum in offering a live-stream concert by country singer Casi Joy on their Facebook pages beginning at 7 p.m.

The free WeekEnder concert series begins Friday the 10th, and runs from 6- to 9 p.m. the following three Fridays. Food trucks also will be on site and beverages, including adult, will be available for purchase.

Deuschle said the stage has been set up so people can enjoy the music throughout the multi-level plaza.

“That square and the levels above hold a lot of people,” she said. “We don’t expect to go beyond capacity. If we do get to the point we need to close levels, we’ll do it.”

In a concession to Covid concerns, the WeekEnder event will not feature the customary outdoor movies of previous years because the concentration of people would likely violate social-distancing recommendations.

WeekEnder attendees are asked to follow current CDC guidelines, including the wearing of face coverings, frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer, and maintaining distance from others. People who are ill or have symptoms should not enter the event space.

The free WeekEnder series at Crown Center Square features live music and food trucks. this year however, no movies will be shown because of Covid health concerns. (Photo courtesy Crown Center)

Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets to the concerts. They can’t bring alcoholic beverages or glass containers. Pets also are not allowed.

Free weekend parking for the Crown Center Square is available at 25th Street and Grand and begins at 6 p.m. on Friday.

This year’s line-up:

Friday, July 10

Band: The Zeros
Genre: The most authentic and dedicated 80’s and new wave tribute band in the Midwest, complete with an electrifying and energetic stage show. The Zeros have become a perennial WeekEnder fan favorite.
Food Trucks: Burnt End BBQ, Estrella Azul, Happy Belly, Kona Ice

Friday, July 17

Band: The Magnetics
Genre: Performing covers from a wide range of artists, including yesteryear musicians like The Beatles, Bob Marley, and Johnny Cash, and today’s Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, and Vampire Weekend, as well as everything in between, The Magnetics are sure to thrill WeekEnder guests with their energetic performance and unique song selections.
Food Trucks: Burnt End BBQ, Estrella Azul, Kona Ice,

Friday, July 24

Band: The Accidental Moguls
Genre: Seasoned players from multiple bands came together to form The Accidental Moguls, an all-live dance band performing a variety of pop, hip-hop, rock, reggae, and R&B covers.
Food Trucks: Burnt End BBQ, Happy Belly, The Hungry Hatch, Kona Ice, Taste of Brazil

Friday, July 31

Band: Rusty Laffoon Band
Genre: A blend of southern rock, country and blues, along with an eclectic collection of cover songs. Rusty Laffoon Band has opened for country music artists such as Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina and Chase Bryant.
Food Trucks: Burnt End BBQ, Kona Ice, Taste of Brazil

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