Way back in the 1800’s, Tippecanoe City used the canal lock to breed commerce and ferry both goods and passengers up and down the river. It served as a hub of activity for the growing town of Tippecanoe.
Canal Music Fest
For one night only, the Tipp City Area Arts Council transformed the tranquil Canal Lock Park into a community hub as in yesteryear. In addition to the existing historic Roller Mill, Canal Boat, Bike Path and Freeman Prairie, the Arts Council invited two Cincinnati rock/blues bands, assembled a stage, contracted a sound system, and coordinated food for the first ever Canal Music Fest.
JJ Slanker, event coordinator for the Arts Council, was on hand to deal with all event activities both large and small and make sure the concert in the park went off without a hitch. “While I can’t change the weather, (the humidity made it feel like 98 degrees) I am making sure that all of the components of the event are taken care of” stated Slanker.
Approximately 100 residents were in attendance to to enjoy the music performed by Cincinnati-based bands Leadfoot Johnny and Voodoo Puppet. The two bands performed blues, rock and alternative cover tracks for more than 3 hours in the oppressive humidity and heat. Lead vocalist Tim Tiernan shrugged off the heat stating “this is just the first of our summer outdoor concerts, it won’t be getting any cooler for us”. Tiernan’s wardrobe included 4 different shirts to help him stay comfortable in the sweltering heat under the stage tent.
[nggallery id=13] Photos by Lynn ShirkEvent Sponsors
The Canal Music Fest was sponsored by Meijer, The Tipp City Foundation, Miami County Foundation, The Tipp City Players, Tipp-Monroe Community Services, Re/Max Professionals, ProForma and delicious food was provided by Hickory River BBQ.
