Many aspects of this year's Evening at the Amphitheatre series have grown immensely.
Nine entertainers will take to the Jefferson City stage at the 2017 series kick-off May 26, and three events are scheduled this year, with the last two expanded to two-day celebrations surrounding the total eclipse Aug. 20-21 and Capital Jazzfest Sept. 8-9 at the Ellis-Porter Riverside Park.
"With the exposure the parks are getting right now, I think this is going to be the year it will blow up," said lead organizer Quinten Rice, whose companies Avenue HQ & The Space and Q Entertainment sponsor the event along with Jefferson City Parks and Recreation, Jefferson City East Side Business Association, Missouri River Regional Library and HP Creative. "We will hope to go from 500-750 people out there up into the thousands."
Even with these new activities in its fourth year, Evening at the Amphitheatre holds true to its original mission - showcasing local artistic talent for free in a family and pet friendly, outdoor environment. That vision was one Rice knew was needed when he first conceptualized Evening at the Amphitheatre five years ago.
"Back in the day, (Riverside Park amphitheater) was the spot to go. There used to be a stage out there and they would hold all these concerts, had symphonies perform. It is a real-deal amphitheater that has been around for a long time," Rice said. "Somehow, over the years, I guess it was forgotten a little bit and was not used like it used to be.
"I saw an opportunity there and a need to help artists get more exposure."
Rice said that need was for a variety of local artists, both known nationally who had a hard time finding places in their hometown to showcase their talents and up-and-coming artists who wanted more experience on stage. Rice has been able to do that with many of his own businesses, including Avenue HQ. Plus, he understands how meaningful it is to perform in different venues.
"I am fortunate enough to do some of the things that I do - get on the small stages or on a huge stage in front of a sold-out crowd. It is an awesome feeling, but there's people that don't always get that opportunity," he said. "In creating platforms for success, you want to open those doors. As the saying goes, somebody opened up doors for me, so I want to open up doors for other people.
"I think of Solstice Jensen. She came out to an open mic night at The Mission, which I have been hosting for 14 years now. She just blew me away. It was her first time on stage when she did that open mic night. It was amazing. It was one of those things you are just happy to be a part of and you help out with to give them that good feeling and give them the experience, too."
Jensen, of Jefferson City, will join eight other musicians, artists and performers on stage from 6-10 p.m. during the May 26 event: Here's Hoping, Liz Graham and Georgia Felix and the Cool Car, comedian Nick Nichols, Evan Hoyle, Burney Sisters Music, Lydia Garwood and Rusted Satellites, who will close the showcase. Outside of the on-stage performers, guests can meet an array of visual, culinary, and other artists and craftsmen who will demonstrate, display and/or sell their creative pieces to visitors.
Normally a second and final Evening at the Amphitheatre event takes place near the end of the summer. However, this year two additional events are scheduled, both providing two days of entertainment. The "Total Eclipse of the Park" is scheduled the evening of Aug. 20 and beginning again at 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at Riverside Park Amphitheater, delivering live entertainment, artist showcase with vendors, food and beverages for all ages and a chance to view the total eclipse.
The annual Capital Jazzfest, hosted by Capital Arts, will move from its typical downtown setting to Ellis-Porter Riverside Park for the first time and team up with Evening at the Amphitheatre from Sept. 8-9.
"We are trying to make that a weekend of art of all different kinds. We are encouraging the artists that come out Friday night to stay and showcase their talents on Saturday, as well," Rice said.
Evening at the Amphitheatre's family and pet friendly atmosphere has been important in promoting and preserving the event since its inception, Rice said.
"This event includes everything from having the atmosphere, the entertainment and also the hospitality. We try to have someone that has dog treats out there. You have someone who serves alcohol to adults and also someone who sells snow cones for the kids. There is something for everyone," he said.
Creative freedom is abound for both artists and attendees. Rice encourages artists to perform original songs or present a new concept in their artistic endeavors, which can intrigue guests to experience new things in a comfortable setting.
"I don't think anybody has hit the big time being at Evening at the Amphitheatre, but it has helped be a positive catalyst for them to know they can do this or want to try it again," Rice said. "You can go get a hot dog, a walking taco or hamburger you have never even heard of in your life, try it and find it fantastic. I love seeing grandma and grandpa getting there 30 minutes early and getting their chairs set up in the first row. Then you have a guy getting off work late, getting his dog and taking a breather while enjoying the music.
"The thing that makes it attractive is the event is so open in so many ways."