Downtown Sikeston features 5 weekends of free music

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Historic downtown Sikeston has lined up a variety of area talent to kick off the next five weekends with free musical entertainment Friday evenings.

There will be music in Malone Park beginning at 6 p.m. today and on each following Friday evening through the end of June, according to Lynn Lancaster, executive director of Historic downtown Sikeston.

Opening this year's Music in the Park season is The Big Idea of Cape Girardeau.

"This will actually be our first time playing in the Sikeston area," said Will Montgomery, who, along with Tommy Main, founded The Big Idea in 2008. "We are very excited to branch out to a new town and a new area in Southeast Missouri."

With Montgomery on guitar and high-hat cymbals, Main playing either banjo or guitar along with a bass drum and Scott Welton of Sikeston on a five-string bass guitar, the Big Idea's sound is best described as "high-energy folk rock 'n' roll," Montgomery said. Joining them on harmonica for many shows is Joseph Parent of Cape Girardeau and Dale Baker of Chicago on hand drums.

The Big Idea will play a mix of original music from their first full-length album and songs to be recorded for their second full-length release along with some of the alternative, progressive bluegrass and other Americana songs that influenced the songwriters.

Jordan's Tide on June 7 will bring their bluegrass mix to the Malone Park bandstand.

Anna Catherine DeHart and the Dirt Road Express on June 14 will be the featured Music at Malone Park performers.

The Millstones will play both classic rock favorites and original music June 21.

This year's Music in the Park series will wrap up June 28 with the Chimes of Freedom's offering of classic rock and oldies.

Lancaster said evenings are likely to get warmer but there always is plenty of shade at Malone Park.

"In case of rain, bring an umbrella," he said.

Jordan's Tide features seven singers, Rubenacker said, with all but Janie Pfefferkorn also doing some picking.

Rubenacker plays the upright bass while her husband, Ken Rubenacker, plays mandoline and some banjo; Keith Kinder, banjo, guitar and mandoline; Rick Crabb, Dobro guitar and harmonica; Molly Pfefferkorn, upright bass; and Jami Geske, a dulcimer.

Having played Music at Malone Park last year and in 2010, Rubenacker said they are glad to be back again this year.

"It's fun, good crowds," she said. "I hope even more people come out and enjoy it this year. It's very casual: they can come and go as they please."

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO