Riverside Park - La Crosse
Celebrating 15 Years of Music & Memories!
WE HAVE A SPECIAL SEASON PLANNED AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU THERE!
To commemorate our 15th Anniversary we invite you to design this year's official "Moon Tunes" shirt design.
Valley View Rotary has established a new fund to support area non-profit groups, emphasizing music, music education and music-related programs. Others considered will include the arts, beautification, recreation, health and social well-being.
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The fund was created by the Valley View Rotary Club to recognize Terry Bauer; the founder of the club’s popular summer concert series held in La Crosse’s Riverside Park.
How It All Started...
Moon Tunes, now in its 15th season at Riverside Park in La Crosse, WI, offers a free Concert Series to the public. This event raises donations and awareness for the stunning bandshell renovation and other park amenities.
Friends and families can bring their lawn chairs, beverages and snacks and hear music from some of the greatest musicians in our area for free. The Valley View Rotary does pass around donation buckets at intermission for a goodwill donation, if you'd like to give.
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Theme concerts are prevalent throughout the Series and there are always surprise performances that just happen on stage as we celebrate summer in God's Country!
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Thanks to the musicians, concert goers, businesses, sponsors and countless volunteers who make Moon Tunes what it is today!
According to co-founder Terry Bauer, Moon Tunes was created to help build this beautiful bandshell.
Terry was also Co-Chair of the La Crosse Bandshell Consortium. He formed the Band Shell Consortium with Abbie Leithold, TJ Peterslie, Tami Plourde, Alex Favre, Barb Frahm, Greg Belfany, and co-chairs Pat Stephens and Dave Clements.
Following the completion of the bandshell and the north Riverside restroom, we reorganized as Friends of Riverside Park, a 501c3. This allowed us to build the new entrance restroom and contribute to the Forest Hills pavilion.
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The simple 1930s Modern design shows skyscraper-influenced towers. The bandshell, or amphitheater, was dedicated to the memory of Wendel A. Anderson, former mayor and founder of the city's park system.
The newly renovated La Crosse Bandshell at Riverside Park was built with special materials local to our area. Six whole oak trees behind Mondovi Dairy Systems in West Salem were used as part of the structure for the new Bandshell.
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“We have a history in La Crosse of logging along the Black River with saw mills. So, it ties into historic downtown La Crosse. It’s going to be illuminated at night, and it’s going to be a jewel in Riverside Park,” said Bauer.
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The renovation was completed in 2020.
Feel The Vibes!
Enjoy a memorable night at Moon Tunes with your family and friends! Our Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of music, showcasing talented musicians who entertain large crowds each year.
There are many options for parking around Riverside Park. Choose from Parking Ramps or the nearby parking lot areas that are set up for area Fundraising efforts for School programs. A nominal parking fee is charged and the funds go to their programs and projects.
We have an area close to the Moon Tunes Stage where you can park your bicycle and enjoy the concert.
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Very secure and we thank Smith's Bike Shop and Beer By Bike Brigade for coordinating the bicycle parking area.
You are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs to set up near the bandshell area. There is plenty of room and a great way for larger groups to set up their own area to enjoy the music.
There are a few rows of metal seats near the stage area. These are permanent seats and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You are welcomed to bring your own carry-in food and drinks. We ask that you clean up your area before you leave and drink responsibly.
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We do have food trucks on site each week and they are very popular! Each offers unique menu items and specials.
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Drinks are offered at the food trucks and beer from Pearl Street Brewery.
Moon Tunes was created to be a music event for the entire family at no cost.
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We couldn't have the success we've had without the strong support from businesses, organizations, and individuals over the past 15 years. They believe in everything that makes Moon Tunes special and we thank them for their steadfast support!
Make sure when you come to Moon Tunes, you stop by the Rotary Club tent near the Bike Corral and you can purchase your official Moon Tunes gear!
We also will be featuring our winning 15th Anniversary shirt design all season too.
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Wear with pride and they make great gift ideas for family and friends!
We are offering a new service at Moon Tunes. If you have a handicap parking tag, you can park in the lot by the Rotary gardens. We will be providing rides from there to and from
Moon Tunes.
Be patient as we are still working out our scheduling so we can help as many people as possible.
