A Lincoln tradition turns 50

The year 1974 saw the invention of chicken fingers, Skittles and the Rubik’s Cube. Barbra Streisand scored a number one hit that year with “The Way We Were,” and President Richard Nixon resigned following the Watergate scandal.  

Meanwhile, here in Lincoln, Nebraska, the first Lincoln Community Foundation Garden Performance Series premiered at 14th and N streets. 

According to an advertisement in the June 11, 1974, edition of the Lincoln Journal Star, the first performance featured the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra with a free outdoor pop-up concert titled “Brown Bag Intermezzo.” 

Five decades later, hundreds of musical groups have performed in the garden over the years accompanied by the tune of scores of family picnics, as this lovely treasure celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

Undoubtedly, many things have stayed the same over those many intervening summers. Families, business folks, older couples, and young children alike still come together each Wednesday at noon. Everyone still gathers in that delightful concert space next to the Lincoln Community Foundation building, and everyone still sways to the music right along with the rhythmic sounds of water fountains and rustling leaves. 

This summer the June 12th concert featured a special celebration in honor of the series’ golden anniversary. Nathan LeFeber was there, playing the trombone as part of the Lincoln Municipal Band (LMB). But it wasn’t his first time there. 

“I just wanted to drop a quick note and say congratulations on 50 years, and thank you for including the LMB in the festivities,” wrote Nathan, director of bands for Kearney High School. “I live in Kearney but grew up in Lincoln and remember the gardens and the concert series well. It was fun for me to be a part of the celebration. Here's to 50 more years!” 

LCF was established in 1955, however, the Foundation gardens were dedicated nearly 20 years later, in October 1973, according to Chip DeBuse, who works in philanthropy services for LCF.  

“I think the concert area was specifically designed to be performance space,” he said. “It made perfect sense with a park located right in the middle of downtown. There’s nothing else quite like it in the city.” 

Chip called it a lovely, long-time Lincoln tradition. 

“Families can enjoy free, live music. And musicians love coming to play here. They play for an hour for fun, unlike a nightclub where they must play until 1 a.m. It’s an easy audience and a wonderful space.”  

In 1975, the first summer-long series was announced – sponsored by the Downtown Lincoln Promotion Council and organized by the Lincoln Foundation Garden program committee. LCF’s involvement with the series ebbed and flowed throughout the years. 

By 2012, current staff realized that the concert series needed additional support to continue its grand tradition. 

“We picked up the banner,” Chip explained. “I think it took an organization like the Foundation to make it happen.” 

First, LCF staff worked to raise money from neighboring businesses, as well as the Downtown Lincoln Association. Then they found a programming partner in Arts Incorporated. 

“We started organizing and facilitating the concerts, focusing more on professional music,” said Dean Haist with Arts Incorporated. “We believe strongly in paying the musicians, respecting their talent and skill.”  

At that point the concert season was also expanded from May through September, and Arts Incorporated began organizing the Wednesday performance calendar.  

“We send out a call to more than 50 groups, with 19 spots to fill, and ask groups to fill out applications. Then we evaluate each one, looking for variety and quality,” he said. 

After each performance, Arts Incorporated circulates surveys for feedback. 

“We have raised the quality and diversity of performances over the past decade and made the series sustainable,” said Dean. “I personally thank the musicians after every concert.”  

Both Chip and Dean give a shoutout to the Downtown Lincoln Association (DLA) for stepping up with support. 

“When you look at this collaboration between the DLA, the Foundation and Arts Incorporated, you think, what’s more community than that?” Chip asked. 

He said the concert series is now more stable than ever. 

“We’re so happy right now,” Chip reflected. “Family-friendly performances for 50 years, on rainy days or hot days, and we’re planning to continue to keep our gates open.”  

Thank you to the 2024 Garden Performance Series Sponsors: 
Arts, Inc., Pam Herbert Barger Piano Students, Robert F. and Barbara M. Bartle Garden Performance Endowment, Eagle Printing and Sign, Farmers Mutual Insurance, Nebraska Arts Council, Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, Pinnacle Bank, US Bank, Kinetic by Windstream and Woods Aitken LLP.