The First Ever Note
“As a group, Southbound is thoroughly entertaining and capable of opening for any big name performer.
But it’s the multi-talented individuality and uniqueness of its members that really makes Southbound shine.”
- Anonymous Fan -
And shine they did as they helped the Town of Rome inaugurate its brand-spankin’ new bandshell in the heart of the Rome Town Center.
The sun was bright, the sky was blue with a few cotton candy clouds for effect, and the temperature was somewhere between ideal and perfect.
People started gathering, with folding chairs in arms, well before Southbound was scheduled to play the first ever note in this impressive new addition to a town center that is fast becoming the gem that town planners envisioned it to be.
They came early to claim their spot on the expansive lawn. Plopping their chairs where they thought they’d have the best line for sight and sound. But here’s an insider’s secret; there is no best, because every spot is just as good as the next.
Nonetheless, with their temporary claim on real estate safely in hand, they grabbed a beer from the beer wagon. Their choice; light or dark brews from Up North Brewing Company - last year’s addition to the Town Center. They ordered a "Hello Doggie” or a polish sausage with kraut, then patiently waited as Southbound set up and performed their pre-show sound checks.
With a thumbs up from the sound guy, Visit Rome board member Bob Baurhyte took to the stage to welcome everybody and to thank all the hard-working people and generous companies who donated time and money to make the bandshell a reality. It was a few years in the making, but well worth the wait. Because with a single snip of a red ribbon with Bob’s giant scissors, Rome now has a venue that will attract talent from all over the Midwest.
Here’s just a couple examples of who is lined up for the summer of 2024; Copper Box, a quartet based in Oshkosh that's been “a punch in entertainment and music, playing familiar songs with a twist…” And the Blue Notes, a locals’ favorite, because they too are locals - playing, you guessed it, the blues - and maybe a little bit of swing just to liven things up a bit.
And this is just the beginning, because contrary to what the name might suggest, the bandshell is not just for bands. Soon you’ll see performances from local artists like the Home Town Rome Players, Irish Dancers, and movies the whole family will enjoy.
Now that we know where, be sure to check the calendar of events on visitromewi.com regularly for the latest news on who, what, and when.
No doubt, performances from the area’s favorite artists and special events will be the obvious draw. But it became evidently clear, on this grand first night, that this new addition to The Town of Rome and the Rome Town Center will serve as another great place for friends, family, and the community to come together. To sing along - in tune, or not, but who cares. Dance like nobody’s watching, but we all are. Or simply socialize and share stories of interest. Or maybe just stories.
And to think, it all started with the playing of a single note from a band called Southbound.
Written by: Lydell Capritta
