ParkFest to feature War Radio, Van Rensselaer

Courtesy photo

Coming off last week's ParkFest rainout, the Greencastle Civic League will be looking for clear skies on Tuesday night as Mike Van Rensselaer and War Radio take the Bob Flanigan Bandshell stage at Robe-Ann Park.

Van Rensselaer will kick off the performance at 6:30 p.m., with War Radio to follow.

This week's performance is sponsored by Hammer & Associates, National Center for College Costs, Bob and Ellen Sedlack, First National Bank, Bittles and Hurt, Putnam County Comprehensive Services and Greencastle Civic League.

Courtesy photo

Food will be available for sale from the Downtown Café.

Folksinger Mike Van Rensselaer will be making his 21st appearance at ParkFest, bringing his banjo and guitar to back his singing and storytelling.

He has been busy this past year performing for schools, nursing homes, farmers markets, dinners and private venues.

This winter, the retired Greencastle Middle School teacher co-organized a Hootenanny in honor of the late Pete Seeger, a major influence in both his music and teaching.

On Mother's Day Van Rensselaer performed his "Putnam County" song with the Fret Set and Chicago's Fifth House Ensemble for the DePauw School of Music Harvest concert.

For Parkfest this year he will be playing familiar favorites ranging from the Carter Family to Cole Porter, with a healthy helping of Pete Seeger.

Honoring the traditional Parkfest emphasis on family entertainment, he invites parents to bring their young children to the front of the Robe-Ann bandstand while he performs Seeger's classic "Abiyoyo" story for them.

War Radio is a jam, pop, rock band that was formed by Joel and Tosh Everson with a focus on original songs inspired by their musical influences. These influences vary from rock to folk, funk to pop, and more.

The pair added additional musicians Drew Cooper and Dennis Furr to the group and began playing their originals along with a wide variety of covers.

With a full-length album recently released, the band is excited about what the future holds. Their weekends are full with playing music around the state and at all-original music venues.

Upcoming ParkFest performances include:

* June 24: Bob Sima, Gus Moon

* July 1: Chris Wurster, Mongrel Dogs

* July 8: John Bean, Blues Side Up

* July 15: Monika Herzig, Saturday Shoes

* July 29: Carly Rhine, Haley Jonay, October Scene