Sedona Parks and Recreation plans concerts at Posse Grounds

The Posse Grounds pavilion, at Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park, is celebrating its first year of operation. The city is now seeking ways to increase its usage, which may include extending operating hours and increasing its maximum capacity. The goal is to bring the pavilion more in line with the overall operating plan of Posse Grounds Park. Jake Green/Larson Newspapers

Elton John once said, “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

Providing a little time to relax and have fun is what the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department is hoping to provide as it kicks off its second annual concert series.

The Posse Grounds Pavilion at Barbara Antonsen Memorial Park will host four free community concerts Friday, May 11 through Friday, June 22. This year’s series includes:

  • May 11: Big band swing music by Sentimental Journey.
  • May 25: Singer-songwriter showcase with Saith, Alisse Garn and Ryan Biter. 
  • June 8: Folk and bluegrass with JR Robusto and the Invincible Grins.
  • June 22: Funk and reggae with Local Honey and Keith Okies and Rebel Sol.

Parking is available in the main lot at the park, and space is limited to 300 guests at the concerts, all of which begin at 5 p.m.

“The variety of music is great, which I think people will really appreciate,” Parks and Recreation Manager Rachel Murdoch said. “There’s lots of local artists who we really enjoy supporting.”

Murdoch said she works alongside her technical support staff — who are also local musicians — to create a lineup of artists.

“I do have musicians contact me directly, as well, and I add their information to my list of performers,” she said. “We will mix it up every time if possible, keeping in mind we want variety, quality and local if possible.”

Now that they have a year under their belts in terms of concerts, Murdoch said there are some changes in store for this year. In an attempt to draw in bigger audiences, they moved the events from Wednesdays to Fridays. In addition, they spread out the concerts to every other week in order to help build an audience.

“People have more time to hear about it and build anticipation,” she said. “We are not offering dinner, but are offering dessert. Depending on the day will either be Cold Stone Creamery or Sedona Shaved Ice. Also, each day has more than one band — sort of an opening act and main show setup.”

The feedback Parks and Recreation received from attendees and performers last year was positive, Murdoch said.

“Everyone loves the venue,” she said. “People are learning to pack a chair if they don’t want to sit on the grass and to bring their own umbrella for shade if the weather is warm. Each event had around 100 spectators, but we have room to accommodate many more.”

Parks & Rec is in the works of accepting a donation from the Friends of Posse Grounds — the group responsible for the pavilion’s existence — that will ensure the resurrection of the past popular Red Dirt Concerts for a few years to come.

“With their donation and the budget I have from the city, I will merge this current concert series into the Red Dirt Concerts and be able to offer more next year,” she said.

For more information about this event and others, contact Parks and Recreation at 282-7098 or SedonaAz.gov/Parks.

Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 122, or email reland@larsonnewspapers.com