Music festival raises money for Scott City amphitheater

Scott City residents gathered Saturday to help bring to fruition a regional amphitheater to be named after late band member Randy Leiner.

The Leiner Music Festival was held at the Scott City Park to raise money for the construction of the Leiner Amphitheater. City leaders hope to have the project completed within the next few years. At least 100 people attended the event.

Several bands donated their time by performing at the Leiner Music Festival, including The Melroys and The Sneaker Bombs. The Melroys was started by Leiner, and now his son, Jordan Leiner, performs with the band. Randy Leiner's youngest son, Noah, plays with The Sneaker Bombs.

"Randy would be so proud of his sons," said Sally Leiner, Randy Leiner's widow.

Music festival attendees remembered Leiner as a talented musician and a highly motivated man.

"I could not think of a better person or family to dedicate this amphitheater to," Mayor Tim Porch told the crowd.

Porch said he has been happy with the amount of community support received and the cooperation of the various sponsors and contributors, such as the Scott City Kiwanis, who provided concessions; Kohlfeld Distributing, which donated beverages; Bootheel Harley-Davidson, which sponsored a poker run; the Scott City Park Board Committee and city council, whose members volunteered their time; and Schock's Pub and the Pink Galleon, which hosted benefit concerts after the event. The total raised at the concerts will be added to the money raised at the festival.

"It really has been a group effort," said Paul Schock, a member of the Scott City Kiwanis.

The amphitheater project was started about three years ago and has now received approval to move forward with architectural plans for the amphitheater, which will accommodate about 2,000 people. The city plans to begin taking bids for architects and engineers within the next 30 to 60 days and to have plans professionally drawn up for the building.

"We want to do this project right," Porch said.

While the project has benefited from several small fundraisers, the Leiner Music Festival has been the largest community outreach so far. In addition to fundraisers such as the festival, Porch said city leaders will be looking to private grants for theater and music programs, revenue from capital improvement taxes and gifts from private contributors to raise the remaining funds needed for the construction of the amphitheater.

"There is nothing like this in our area," said Mike Kohlfeld of Kohlfeld Distributing, "It seemed only natural to be involved with the project."

According to Porch, the amphitheater will be accessible to the entire region for community events such as concerts, plays, benefits and private rentals.

"I am thrilled to be a part of bringing something new to our community," Porch said. "The amphitheater will be great for our area."