From Christian contemporary to heartfelt ballads: Highlights from final KR Barkman Concerts

The KR Barkman Concerts in the Park closed the series this year with two performances. 

Thursday’s concert began with LMNK, Lorne Matthew Neil Kauenhofen, a Christian Contemporary artist from Steinbach.  

“The last couple of years, I’ve been here at KR Barkman Concerts,” he says. “It's been great. It's been a good way to kind of get my feet wet, so to speak. The last two years, I did Summer in the City as well, part of the Worship in the City, and that was a challenge in a way that it was a way for me to grow because I had never played on a stage that big before.”  

@steinbach_online LMNK performs at KR Barkman Concerts in the Park with Steinbach Arts Council. Read more about local artists at #SteinbachOnline #inspiration #concert ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline

Kleefeld’s Kites and Lights capped the concert series this year with a performance that captivated the audience and filled the park with energy. 

A fan of Kites and Lights brought a sign to welcome the duo onto the stage at the KR Barkman Park on Thursday. (Photo Credit: Tara Schellenberg/Steinbach Arts Council)

Katie Koop and her brother Lyndol Fast put together a fun and meaningful playlist. 

“The second song we’re performing is called, ‘I Love You Will Still Sound the Same,’ and that song was actually sung at my wedding,” says Koop. “I did not sing it, but my brother did actually, so it’s special to now sing it with him.” 

@steinbach_online Kites and Lights filled the park with music and energy to wrap up the KR Barkman Concerts in the Park series with Steinbach Arts Council. #SteinbachOnline #pop #folk #concert ♬ original sound - SteinbachOnline

Another song they performed that tugged on the heartstrings was also fitting with Father’s Day coming up. It’s called “One Day Soon.” 

“And it’s essentially about a father that watches his little girl grow up and how he loves her and wants her to have the best life,” says Koop. “I don't have a daughter, but I do have a son. And so, the lyrics still hit home a lot to think about that.” 

Nine groups of local artists were featured this year in the K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park with Steinbach Arts Council.