The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council presents a Fall break each Wednesday in October at 12p.m. for the outdoor Brown Bag Concert Series.
As autumn settles over northeast Louisiana, downtown Monroe is once again coming alive with music. A free midweek concert series is returning at 220 DeSiard Street, offering live performances by local musicians in a outdoor setting. The performances take place at Palace Park, located beside the old Palace Department Store building. The concert series, held during 12 p.m., invites the public to enjoy performances by some of the region’s musical talent. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs. In addition to the live music, food will be available on site. Newk’s Eatery will offer $6 box lunches, and Mulhearn’s will provide free cookies to concertgoers. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnics. The events are free and open to the public, thanks to support from local sponsors including Mulhearn’s, Newk’s Eatery, ECHO Development, Paramount Healthcare Consultants of West Monroe, State Representative Michael Echols, and the City of Monroe.
From blues and folk to theater showstoppers, they’ve curated the soundtrack for your next hour.
Taking the stage is:
October 1 – Josh Love
Kick off the Series with an award-winning bluesman who covers R&B, rock and much more. The program will be varied, as his covers range from Roberta Flack, and Luther Vandross to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix, and the list goes on. Come enjoy the fresh air, fall breezes, and a unique talent as we kick off the Series.
October 8 – Jennifer McMullen
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Jennifer McMullen brings her variety acoustic set to the Series today, showing off her mellow alto and stylistic versatility with pop, country, folk, Gospel and more. This solo artist performs at venues in Texas and across the South, but on occasion has provided backing vocals for others including the late, great artists R&B legend Percy Sledge and Grammy-award winner Jody Miller (“Wayfaring Stranger”). Today will be her debut at the Series, so come give her a warm Louisiana welcome as we kick back and enjoy the show!
October 15 – Southern Grace
Bringing the message through song, Southern Grace trio stops by to uplift us at the Series today. Rhonda Black, Donna McLaughlin, and Cathy Hutto make up the group and are well known area favorites. They are frequent performers at churches, theaters, and other local venues, honored for their talent by recognition such as NELA Music’s 2024 Worship Group of the Year! Come relax to their smooth harmonies and standout solos while you soak up the positive spirit they bring to the Series.
October 22 – Static Bloom with Dan Sumner
Fort Sumner Music School presents a new performing ensemble – the Static Bloom. The group’s style is all their own, with Dan grounding the sound for this multi-generational ensemble. Come hear these young artists as they show off their skill as we rock the Series today.
October 29 – Sarah O’Connor Siereveld and Justin Havard
Today we have a duo of seasoned performing artists on hand to round out the Fall Series. Sara O'Connor Siereveld is both a veteran performer and successful business leader as Advancement Officer at ULM. She has performed professionally across the country in national tours like Young Frankenstein and locally most recently in the Strauss Theatre Centre production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Justin Havard is an accomplished director, pianist, singer and educator. He is also a veteran of national tours, playing for The Book of Mormon, Wicked, and “Spamalot.” He may be best known locally as part of the music faculty at ULM, where he teaches voice, directs the Spring musical, and accompanies myriad performances by faculty and students. Come see and hear why these two are so often tapped for national showcases as they stop by to wrap up our Series!
For more information, call the Arts Council office at 397.6717 or 397.6754. In case of rain, they plan to move indoors to the Palace Building. Visit the Arts Council online at www.nelaarts.com, find them on Facebook or Instagram @region8arts!
