The 34th season of the Buttermilk Festival concert series has been announced by the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band. In addition to serving as the resident ensemble, the Symphonic Band hosts and produces the free, summer-long Festival at the Wifler Performance Center in Buttermilk Creek Park, 801 S. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac. Two new groups will be introduced this year. Kicking off the season on June 14 is Hurricane Gumbo, a Chicago-based, New Orleans’ style party band, serving up a tasty mix of zydeco, rhythm & blues, jazz and funk. On August 2 the Festival welcomes Pegasis, a Green Bay-based group comprised of two sisters/singers from the Dominican Republic performing with jazz guitarist Matt Hillman. Filling out the guest artist portion of the series are the Dorf Kapelle on June 28, the Fond du Lac High School and Middle School Summer Bands on July 26, and the ever-popular Kids from Wisconsin on August 16. In celebration of 125 years since the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band was originally organized as the Fond du Lac Military Band, the Symphonic Band will open its summer series with a gala Anniversary Concert on June 21. Other concerts by the band include “At the Movies” on July 12, “Family Night – Let’s Dance!:” on July 26, “Festival of Folk Tunes” on August 9, and “Fan Favorites and Alumni Night” on August 23. The Band’s local summer appearances, which are sponsored by the City of Fond du Lac, also include the July 4 Americana Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Lakeside Park preceding the fireworks on the lakefront. A concession stand, hosted by area non-profit groups, will be available at each concert. A limited number of lawn chairs are available at the park, but it is suggested that concert goers bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. While all Buttermilk Festival concerts are free of charge, free-will offering will be received to help defray costs. In the event of unsuitable weather, concerts will be moved to the Fond du Lac County fairgrounds.
