Jackson Park 2021 Concert Series Announced; Stage Upgraded

Jackson Park - People dancing, people laughing. A man selling ice cream. Jackson Park upgraded for summer concert series. Schedule is below File Photo by Jim Drake

By Jim Drake

After 35 years, the stage at Hood River’s Jackson Park is finally looking like its original concept plan - a covered structure that protects performers from the weather and creates a focal point for community gatherings like the annual Fourth of July picnic. 

“Even in 1986, the hope was always to put a roof over the top of it. But there was no way financially we could ever do it,” said Mike Schend, the founder of Hood River’s Families in the Park concert series.

For the last three years, Schend has worked with the Hood River Lions Club in obtaining permits and funding for the stage project, working with engineering firms, architects and contractors, who are now in the final steps of completing the nearly $200,000 project. Schend expects the custom roofing to be installed by the end of April, and the final landscaping details to be completed shortly thereafter.

“The City wasn’t going to let us put up a makeshift structure. The Lions were able to donate three years of interest money generated from a fund from an anonymous donor - a fund that usually provides yearly non-profit grants. The board decided to try funding a major community project instead, and Lions members suggested the roof for the stage,” Schend said.

Schend says the covered stage will help facilitate getting bands and performers to the stage, literally.

Here’s a look at the new facility - bands no longer need to fear destroying equipment in rain as the state has a new cover to protect musicians and singers from the elements. Just in time. Park’s gonna be rockin'‘.

“A lot of the bands that have played over the years have always said to me, ‘I’m not going to set up in threatening weather - we’re not going to set our stuff up here and then have it ruined by rain,’” Schend said.

“There were a few Thursday nights where we almost didn’t have a concert because it looked like rain, and I can’t blame them. Bands can have  $1,000’s of dollars of musical equipment, and it can’t get wet.”

The covered stage should cool things off for the traditional concert band music for the Fourth of July community event at the park. 

“The poor people on the stage get really hot, you could fry an egg on the concrete stage,” Schend said.

Concerts- what’s that? That’s whats coming up. Get ready for some great shows in Jackson Park.

Hit Machine

Schend says the shape of Jackson Park - its continuous sloping ground and natural shape harkens back to the amphitheater at the Hollywood Bowl. 

“It’s like a shell and should reflect the sound out to the audience.”

“It’s an amazing engineered piece,” said Schend. “It’s not a simple structure and you really can’t even put a piece of paper between the seams. It should last 100 years.”

Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts

Families in the Park Concerts scheduled for Thursdays in August

Schend says “all systems are go*” for another round of Families in the Park at Jackson Park. Music happens each Thursday in August and this year, all activities and food service will feature Lions clubs from around the Northwest.  

Aug. 5 - Hit Machine - Classic Rock cover band Hit Machine will kick off the series. 

The Junebugs

Aug 12 - Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts. 50’s Rock and Rollers return to the stage after a 12 year absence. 

Aug. 19 - The Junebugs - The Junebugs are a high energy Folk-Rock trio, based in Portland, and promise to rock and/or roll until the cows come home. https://www.facebook.com/thejunebugsmusic

Guitar legend Jennifer Batten is ready to roll for Aug. 26.

Aug. 26 - Jennifer Batten and Full Steam - Yes, you read that right, renowned rock guitarist Jennifer Batten is coming to Jackson Park. She’s been on world-wide tours in Micheal Jackson’s band and played at the Super Bowl Half Time Show. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see a guitar legend close up.

*According to City Manager Rachael Fuller, all scheduled public gatherings will follow COVID-19 guidelines if applicable. https://cityofhoodriver.gov/em_notifications/covid-19-emergency-updates/