Local talent shines bright at K.R. Barkman Park Concert Series

The free outdoor concert series continues this week at the K.R. Barkman Park in Steinbach. 

Tara Schellenberg is the Performing Arts Coordinator for Steinbach Arts Council. 

“It’s really great to hear what our community has to offer,” she says. “There’s so much talent right here and it’s just a blast to come and share it.” 

Initially, it looked like Tuesday night’s show was going to be rained out last week, but the sky cleared in time for the Darryl Marsch Band to perform. 

Then on Thursday, Schellenberg was a bit worried because again, it looked like rain would interfere with the outdoor concert. 

But once again, the sky cleared, and Crossfire took over the stage. 

Crossfire sets up for an energetic show Thursday evening at the K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park.

“Chalk it up to Mother Nature being an art lover,” Schellenberg says with a smile. 

Crossfire did not disappoint as music lovers were treated to a fun evening of rock and blues. 

Concert goers arrived early to get the perfect spot to enjoy the concert Thursday evening. Liz was one of the first ones setting up her chairs and blanket, waiting patiently for the show to start. "I'm here to watch a great band that played for (Steinbach) Community Outreach, and I get to enjoy them again," she said. Crossfire did not disappoint, heating up the night with some rock and blues tunes. Although the evening started with a cloudy sky, it didn't take long for the night to clear, leaving perfect weather for an outdoor concert.

There are two more free concerts to enjoy this week as the K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park series continues. 

On Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, there will be two shows: Louden King and Beneath the Surface. 

“Louden King, a multi-instrumentalist, released his debut album "Supermassivity" at the ages of 14 to 16, showcasing his guitar skills and drumming. The album features a range of music from classic rock to rock instrumentals, highlighting his songwriting abilities and memorable guitar hooks, with all music, instrument performances, and recording done by Louden himself but brought to life with the assistance of his friends.” - Steinbach Arts Council 

“Beneath the Surface is a punk/alternative rock band from Southeast Manitoba. They released their debut album on January 1st of 2024 which amassed a near 1000 monthly listeners on Spotify at its peak. The band has been gigging and writing strongly ever since and has begun solidifying themselves as live music powerhouse with fun, fast paced high energy performances that captivate their audience.” - Steinbach Arts Council 

Bring your lawn chairs, friends and family to the free concerts at the K.R. Barkman Park in Steinbach.

Plan to return to the K.R. Barkman Park on Thursday evening and be entertained by LMNK, as well as Kites and Lights. 

“LMNK is Lorne Matthew Neil Kauenhofen. He is a Christian Contemporary artist from Steinbach Manitoba, Canada with a passion to share God's Love through his music. Inspired early on by bands like Jake, Plus One, and The Newsboys, LMNK has always had a love for singing. His greatest accomplishment to date is having his song 'Run Away' played on local radio station Mix 96.7fm.” - Steinbach Arts Council 

“Kites and Lights is a sister-brother duo from hailing from Kleefeld, MB. They love to perform pop, folk and Christian covers (with even a little country thrown in from time to time)! Formally formed in 2023, they have a long history of making music together in their childhood home, in church and on family road trips.” - Steinbach Arts Council 

Schellenberg appreciates the support from the Barkman family, making the concert series possible each year.