3 things to do in Burlington this Memorial Day weekend, including Friday Fest and live music
Originally known as Decoration Day, the Memorial Day holiday was established in 1868 as a time to decorate the graves of dead Civil War soldiers with flowers. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York, the “birthplace” of Memorial Day.
Two world wars changed it into a general day of remembrance; Congress standardized the name as Memorial Day in 1971 and set it on the last Monday in May.
The Memorial Day holiday has become the best time to escape the terrors of modern civilization, and superb escapism opportunities abound in Southeast Iowa this weekend.
Friday Fest
Shout it from your rooftops — Friday Fest is back!
And this year it's out back, too.
Burlington Riverfront Entertainment will host the burg's biggest friends-and-neighbors party in the parking lot behind Memorial Auditorium due to the ongoing waterfront renovation.
"The lot back there is actually a lot bigger than you might think," BRE assistant director David Kroll said. "We will have the stage by the railroad tracks facing the river. Boaters will get to see the shows this summer, too. It should be a great setup, plus the new parking lot in front of the Auditorium is open now for people to park."
The Frank Millard and Co. building will serve as the backdrop for the music, provided by Cedar Rapids band The Mixtape.
The Mixtape is one of Burlington's favorite party bands because they cover a wide variety of genres including a Disney movie medley that makes everyone smile and be happy.
The Mixtape did an outstanding job of opening for Pop Rocks at last year's BRE Summer Concert Series, earning them a Best Show of Summer Series 2021 award last year.
Pumping out hits by Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Prince, Madonna and more, The Mixtape will have you partying like it’s 1999 — the year Friday Fest began, or so we've been told.
Friday Fest is family friendly, kid friendly and all your friends will be there — it's free and open to all ages.
"We always get excited for the first outdoor event of the year," Kroll said. "Gather your friends and family and head to the riverfront for a colossal corn dog or funnel cake, maybe a cold beer or two, and free live music. See you there!"
Beverages and food from D&G Concessions begin at 5 p.m.; The Mixtape performs 5:30 to 8ish.
The event is sponsored by Two Rivers Bank & Trust and Pritchard Broadcasting.
More: Up and Out: Take a swim, attend Friday Fest, enjoy Kiwanis pancakes, watch the Snake Alley Criterium
Saturday lineup: Cerny Brothers perform at Capitol Theater
Memorial Day's Sunday and Monday are traditionally respected as times to spend with family, friends, and veterans. That makes Saturday the hot day for hot music.
Cerny Brothers at Capitol Theater
Scott and Robert Cerny bring their high-energy Americana to the Capitol Theater in Burlington on Saturday.
Rolling Stone magazine described the Cerny Brothers in 2019 as sounding like "Heartland rock in the vein of working-class heroes
John Mellencamp and Tom Petty, but distinguished by a power-pop sheen."
Lofty words, but the magazine went on to say we Midwesterners should pay attention because Robert and Scott grew up in a self-described musical black hole: Rock Island, Illinois.
True Heartlanders, those boys.
After several years of living and making music in Los Angeles, the brothers brought their songs to Nashville. They've opened for stars including Don Felder, Blackberry Smoke, Paul Thorn and Justin Townes Earle with their own mix of hook-laced rock and Americana.
"No fluff, no filler and all heart, these guys are simply the real deal," American Songwriter said.
The Cerny Brothers have appeared in Burlington at the Washington and opened for Bo Ramsey at the Capitol.
But wait, there's more:
Capitol Theater live event director Jeff Poulter said Cerny songs have been compared to early Springsteen and Tom Petty.
"I put them in the same mold as Jason Isbell, Blackberry Smoke and other bands in the Americana movement," Poulter said. "They have been touring lately, opening for Grammy-winning Blues artist Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram. This is a band people will be hearing about in the future and a great opportunity to see them in the intimate setting of the Capitol."
That does it — we're going. And that's 'nuff said.
Jonas Woodstock opens the evening at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $20; the first three rows are $35, all available at the Capitol Theater box office or online.
For more information visit burlingtoncapitoltheater.com.
Blusapalooza 2022
The Moon and Stars Stage, on the backyard patio of the legendary Blue Shop, is the third Burlington music venue brought to life by David Hazell, and this Saturday the veteran music fanman presents Vanessa Collier with the Paul Bonn band featuring Austin guitarist Chris Ruest.
Hazell called Collier a "soul blues machine with her double threat talents of vocal and saxophone" and described her band as "tight as clam ... they will bring the heat."
Indeed: Saxwoman Collier is an eight-time Blues Music Award nominee and won the Horn Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2020 and received this year's Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year.
Opening is the stirring blues and shuffle of the Paul Bonn band, featuring Texas guitarist Chris Ruest.
Hazell said the show celebrates 25 years of Blue Shop productions — the first official Shop show was in May, 1997.
"This sacred evening of two rhythm and blues bands connecting together at Moon and Stars is what it's all about," Hazell said.
The evening is BYOB; door prizes are featured.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. at the Moon and Stars Stage, 313 Washington St. in Burlington. Paul Bonn performs at 6 p.m., Vanessa Collier at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance at Weird Harold's and online at Eventbrite.com, $25 at the door.
Please take a moment to remember those who served.
And we don't mean your bartenders.
This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: What to do in Burlington Memorial Day weekend 2022
