Fourth Annual Bressler-Fest To Open September 13, Tegan Nissen And Northeast Area Jazz Ensemble To Perform

WAYNE – Over the next month, plan on visiting Bressler Park for a series of mini-concerts each Sunday evening throughout September and the first Sunday of October.

Bressler-Fest is a music in the park series designed to celebrate the historic Bressler Park with live music for all ages.

Event organizer, Jill Brodersen’s son, Ezra had a jazz band but no place for them to play and she asked the City of Wayne if she could use the stage. The public space was available for anyone to use and in September of 2016 the band showed up to the park for a concert.

“We invited family and friends and neighbors from around the park,” said Brodersen. “By the end of the concert everyone said, ‘Wow, we should do this music in the park all the time.’ I agreed and the neighbors didn’t complain.”

This year will mark the fourth year of Bressler-Fest and the first weekend will feature two performances on Sunday, September 13. The first being a local performer of Tegan Nissen from 5:15 – 6 p.m. who will open for the Northeast Area Jazz Ensemble from 6 – 8 p.m. on the stage at Bressler Park.

Brodersen has heard several positive comments about the concerts as a variety of music and styles of bands have performed.

“It’s just a great way for everyone to get out and enjoy live music,” Brodersen added. “In a setting that allows kids and picnics and people can come and go. You just can’t do that in other music settings.”

Bressler-Fest typically attracts 150-200 people at each concert. Bressler-Fest officials would like those who attend to make sure to socially distance themselves from other groups. Brodersen continues to work with the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department for Bressler-Fest. Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout Bressler Park and the food vendors.

Bressler-Fest will also be this week’s host for Friday morning Chamber Coffee on September 11. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to be held at Bressler Park located at West 9th Street and Lincoln Street.

Other performances will be Sunday, September 20 by Emily Bass & The Near Miracle; Dave “Spurge” Broders on Sunday, September 27 and Alexis Arai on Sunday, October 4. Music will last from 6 – 8 p.m. each Sunday and if weather comes up, the rain location is the City Auditorium where seating will be set up to allow for social distancing.

“We really couldn’t do this without our sponsors,” Brodersen mentioned. “The sponsors that we get pay for the musicians and renting the sound equipment. We don’t ask the musicians to come play for free because as you know a couple of them are coming from quite a distance.”

For further details, like Bressler-Fest on Facebook or contact Jill Brodersen at 402-369-1304 with any questions.

 

Bressler-Fest Sponsors:

Pac-N-Save (Level I)

Wayne State College, Heritage Homes of Nebraska, Heritage Industries, 1912 Emporium, Providence Medical Center and George Burcum & Susan Boust (Level II)

State Farm Insurance Agent Rusty Parker, Elkhorn Valley Bank and Trust, State Nebraska Bank & Trust, Miller Law, Johnnie Byrd Brewing Company and Godfather’s Pizza (Level III)

Wakefield Dental Practice, Main Street Garage, Tacos & More and Northeast Nebraska Insurance Agent Cap Peterson (Level IV).

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