'Hot Summer Nights' worth the effort

The Hot Summer Nights concert series continues Thursday night with its first McCook date, Yikes!, performing at 7 p.m.

The HSN series, thanks to sponsor McCook National Bank has become a summertime tradition, bringing the community together at the Norris Park venue.

But visitors who haven't been to Norris Park since most of the old trees have been removed may be pleasantly surprised how inviting the park still is.

Yes, the old trees are gone, but dozens of new small trees have taken their place, ready to add shade over the coming years.

And, new playground equipment will keep the younger kids busy while other members of the family take in the concert.

The bandshell, unfortunately, has seen better days, but the city is working on plans to repair it. And, what is now a central flower bed will soon become a war memorial, if all goes according to the Eagle Scout plans of Trenton Klimper of McCook, who is raising money for a bronze by Cambridge sculptor Sondra Jonson.

Some of the members of Yikes! will be familiar to fans of the old Blackberry Winter group, carrying on that style of music with a tighter, smaller band. Performing rhythm & blues, rock, country and jazz as well as some easy listening, band members include Mike Loveless (guitar/vocals), Terry Sinnard (bass/vocals), Dave Buchholz (keyboards/vocals), Greg Tesdall (sax/flute/vocals) and Craig Link (drums/vocals).

We hope you turn out for Thursday night's concert, as well as the Boulder Acoustic Society on Aug. 13 and Blackwater Haze Aug. 20.

If you'd like a preview of the Boulder Acoustic Society, they're performing at the Haigler Bluegrass Breakdown from noon to 6 p.m. MST Sunday in the Haigler Village Park. The Luke Ham Sandwich Band also will perform, with an open jam session to follow the music fest.