Weather cuts short Concerts on Kemp opener


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Members of Jaded include, from left, Shawn Lenning on guitar, vocalist Kacey Schumacher, Dominic Weber on drums, and Justin Hanson on guitar. Not seen is Don Armstrong on keyboards/bass. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

The first Concert on Kemp on Wednesday, June 3, was cut short by stormy weather in Downtown Watertown.

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Music-lovers enjoy the band before rain stopped the show. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

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Jon Iverson of the Codington County Historical Society talks about the Declaration of Independence while the band takes a break. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

The opening Summer of Red, White, and Blue Concerts on Kemp featured live music by the local band Jaded, lots of local vendors, food and beverages. Between band sets, retired teacher and Codington County Historical Society Board President Jon Iverson spoke about the Declaration of Independence.

Attendees were also encouraged to sign their names on a giant replica of the Declaration of Independence which will be displayed throughout the summer in Watertown.

The band was able to complete two sets of songs before the rain began.

The concert series was planned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration. Many of those attended were clad in patriotic red attire. In addition to Wednesday’s red-themed event, a white-themed concert (featuring the Amdahl Brothers band) will be held on July 1 and a blue-themed concert (featuring the band Geezer) on August 5.

A grant from the South Dakota Arts Council to the local historical society is supporting the series.

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Dominic Weber, left, and Justin Hanson perform for the crowd. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

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Shawn Lenning, left, and Kacey Schumacher belt out a song. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

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Canines were abundant during the downtown Concert, some arriving in covered buggies. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

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Two dogs get to know each other during Wednesday night’s concert. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

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Mike Butts, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Watertown, hands out free treats during the concert. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.

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Sidewalk art was being created by youngsters in Downtown Watertown during the first Concerts on Kemp event. Photo by Roger Whittle, The Watertown Current.