The annual NPCA Bird Park Summer Concert Series is a neighborhood inspired idea that has been hosted, organized, and supported by the Greater North Park community.

In 2002, North Park resident, Nellie Harris, had the innovative idea of holding community concerts in the newly designed area of Morley Field called Bird Park.  She met with members of the NPCA and residents living along 28^th Street to pull together two concerts that first summer.  The concerts were well attended by the community and by the next summer, the number of concerts grew to five.  Since 2003, there have been four or five concerts each summer, all organized and produced by the NPCA.

Since the beginning, the NPCA Concert Committee has tried to continue the founding ideals of this local tradition.  Residents and area businesses continue to fund and support the series each year.  Some might move away from North Park but still want to participate in them each summer, both by attending and making donations.  These generous donations pay for the bands, City/Park permits, and event day facilities such as the stage, sound system, port-a-potties, and electrical generator.

The many NPCA Concert Committee volunteers are the backbone of each series.  They comprise every facet of this event.  They choose the music, assist with fundraising, handle the publicity, and provide support on the day of each event.  We would not be able to host the concerts without the loyal dedication and thoughtfulness of our volunteers.

A true neighborhood atmosphere can be felt at every concert, encouraging families and friends to meet, socialize, and enhance community spirit.  The criteria for music selection is based on many factors ...  it has to be family friendly, good for dancing, a variety of music genres, while trying to feature local groups who play original music.  We do not allow political lobbying or civic issues to interrupt the relaxed atmosphere.  We have an NPCA booth set up at each concert to provide information on all of our activities and the offer the opportunity to become a member.

Our main message of the Concert Series is to encourage the community to come to the Park, bring along a picnic, enjoy the beautiful setting and music, and mingle with their friends ... and that's just what happens.  Folks arrive by car, bicycle, and on foot while pulling their kids in wagons.  There is an area for dancing that is filled with toddlers, children, and adults of all ages.  The view at Bird Park is pretty special ... and we're not just talking about the City skyline!

Click here for more about the Summer Concerts and learn how you can become involved.