Summer concert season begins Thursday

While on a summer trip to Denver seven years ago, Mark and Linda Graff enjoyed a delightful evening in Larimer Square, listening to a festive, open air musical program. As it turned out, that was a fortunate occurrence for McCook, because -- out of that experience -- the idea was born to bring evening musical programs to the McCook area during the summer months.

"It was Linda who came up with the idea," said Mark, who is president of McCook National Bank. "When she mentioned it I knew it was something that needed to be done."

And so it was -- six years ago -- that the McCook National Bank launched the popular "Hot Summer Nights" program at Norris Park. That first year, the bank hosted a single concert featuring four different musical groups. "We won't do that again," Mark said. "It was just too much for one evening."

But, learning as they went along, the "Hot Summer Nights'" committee adapted the format, going to a lead group for each concert.

An immediate hit, "Hot Summer Nights" grew to two concerts the second year, three the third, and four concerts the past two years.

The expanded schedule continues this year, with McCook National Bank and MNB Insurance again hosting four concerts. The summer series starts Thursday evening when the Lonny Lynn Hansen Orchestra comes to town to perform with a "big band" sound.

The opening "Hot Summer Nights'" show will be, as always, at Norris Park, beginning at 7:30 and concluding at 9:30.

It's free for everyone as the bank's gift to the community. "The McCook area has been good to us," Mark said. "We wanted to give something back, and the summer programs have proven to be a good way to do that."

Mark your calendars because four shows in all are upcoming this summer. Following the Lonny Lynn Hansen Orchestra's performance Thursday night at 7:30, the "HSN" will continue with "The Mezcal Brothers," Thursday, June 24; "The Duhks," (pronounced Ducks), Thursday, Aug. 12; and "Chance," Thursday night, Aug. 26.

As in past years, crowds of 700 to 1,000 people are expected for the outdoor, evening shows. "We have visitors from a wide area," the bank president said. "It's fun, because the kids can play on the playground equipment, while adults visit and enjoy the music."

Planning goes on year-around, with the committee of Matt Sehnert, Dale Dueland, Mike Thomas, Lonnie Weyeneth, Russ Ankersen, Walt Sehnert and Marie Owen constantly on the lookout for new acts.

Every year, up to now, the versatile musician from the Beaver Valley, Lonnie Weyeneth, has performed with one of the bands. He's not scheduled this year, but, hopefully, one of the groups will call him forward to keep his appearance record intact.

Lonnie -- and many others at the bank and on the committee -- play an important role in the annual summer events. It's been only six years, but Hot Summer Nights is already a proud McCook tradition.