By Angela Long

Published June 28 2016

Get out your lawn chair and maybe your umbrella the third season of Music in the Park is about to begin.

Deputy-reeve Andrea Roberts Dysart et al cultural resources committee chairwoman hopes the “weather gods” will be in their favour this year and the event's other name jokingly christened as “Thunderstorm Tuesday” will rumble away.

The Head Lake Park Bandshell awaits with a variety of new acts every Tuesday from July 5 until Aug. 9 rain or shine. The admission-by-donation event promises something for everyone says Roberts from country to classic rock to jazz. If concert-goers are lucky they may even see another performance by Matt Duchene.

“Matt would be very welcome again if he wants to play” says Roberts. “He's a really good guitarist.”

This year you can satisfy your hunger pangs along with getting your music fix. Into the Blue Bakery will be firing up its wood-fired oven offering up pizzas worthy of a dance.

The concert series prides itself on never repeating an act and showcasing local talent. Roberts is grateful to their many sponsors including three new ones this year who make the event possible by paying the musicians sound technicians and advertisers.

“We couldn't do it without sponsorship” says Roberts.

Surplus from concert-goers' donations is channelled back into the community through the Rotary Club of Haliburton. Whether you donate a toonie or a 20 you become part of an event that's “full circle” says Roberts. And most importantly you become part of a shared experience.

“There's something special about sitting in a lawn chair on a summer evening listening to music chatting with your neighbour” Roberts says.

Something a little rain will never be able to dampen.