Message from Moon Tunes Founder -- Terry Bauer

 

Terry is the founder of the club’s popular summer concert series held in La Crosse’s Riverside Park. Moon Tunes, starting its 15th season, offers a free summer concert series that raises donations and awareness for the park’s bandshell renovation and other amenities.

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Thank you for this recognition. I am truly overwhelmed and humbled. While Noon Tunes and Moon Tunes began as an idea I pitched to the La Crosse Park and Recreation Department and subsequently to our club, its success is the result of many dedicated individuals.

 

I want to acknowledge those who helped nurture this dream.  Paul Patros and Brent Johnston introduced me to TJ Peterslie, whose knowledge of local musicians was essential.  Early support came from Roger Imes’ law firm as our first sponsor, Stephanie Faase, who designed our first poster, and Paul Hatlem, who created the Moon Tunes logo.  Steve Earp of SSE Music initially provided sound and lights, a role now filled by Shawn Marcou of S and S Pro Sound.

 

The logistical support has been equally vital.  Pat Stephens integrated the Rotary Train, and Mario Youakim, the Beer By Bike Brigade, Blue Steel Bike, and Smith’s Bike Shop established our bike corral.  To build the bandshell, I 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.

 

Further contributions include Barb Frahm securing a golf cart donation from Mayo, and Ed Jaekel’s tireless management of our financials.  Jim Warren and Dick Spencer managed vendor funds, while Brian Jackson at Midwest Family provided an invaluable media package. Looking toward the future, Bruce Nuttall has organized a succession plan as TJ and I semi-retire after 15 years.

 

Our digital presence and operations have been maintained by Sue Weidemann and now Steve Peterson. Sandy Heck manages our merchandise, while Nancy Schmidt, Rolan Covert, and Tan Pham lead our work with the Interact Clubs.  Additionally, Tom Sahlstrom has significantly grown our sponsorships.

 

Ultimately, our club’s collective ownership of Moon Tunes has made these concerts a success for the Coulee Region. It truly takes everyone to make a dream come true.

 

Sincerely,

 Terry Bauer