Staff photo by Fritz Busch. New Ulm native Chris Bertrand performs on the “Party By The Pond” stage at Zinniel Utility Contracting on Saturday.
NEW ULM – The open-air concert “Party by the Pond,” which raises money for community nonprofits, is becoming increasingly popular.
Hundreds of people attended the event featuring live music, food, drinks and merchandise hosted by Zinniel Utility Contracting, 4 Somsen Street in northwest New Ulm.
Event organizers Amy and Terry Zinniel said more than 900 people attended the event last year and that even more are expected this year.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers as well as the local businesses and the city of New Ulm for their support. Without you this would not have been possible,” said Terry Zinniel as country music band Mason Dixon Line warmed up on stage.
Terry Zinniel has previously performed with the bands Schell’s Angels, Lavender Town and Cold-Blooded Whiskey.
The Zinniels said they had been thinking about starting a nonprofit organization to help people in need for several years.
“We like music and want to give back to the community, so we created this event. We created a nonprofit organization, Music for a Mission. We donate the profits to nonprofits in the community.” he said.
Amy Zinniel said grant applications for public charities are available online. Eligibility criteria for the project include private school education, children, families and community needs.
“We wanted to do something where everyone gets involved and gives back. The focus is on family, children, private education and community. We are excited,” said Amy Zinniel.
New Ulm native Chris Bertrand sang folk-rock covers and his own music for over three hours at the “Party by the Pond” open-air concert at Zinniel Utility Contracting on Saturday.
Bertrand’s smooth music included Arlo Guthrie, The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Jim Croce and his own folk-rock songs, including a little blues.
Bertrand, a 2010 graduate of New Ulm High School and who lives near Lafayette, said performing music in and around New Ulm and Mankato is his full-time job. In the summer, he performs four or five nights a week.
He recently served as emcee at the Minnesota Original Music Festival in St. Peter.
“I’m glad to be doing something like this. Everything is much slower in the winter. I’ll be working part-time at Patrick’s on Third Bar and Restaurant in St. Peter if they need help.” Said Bertrand.
You can hear him as co-host of a weekly radio show, “Stay local” which presents music from the Mankato region’s past and present on KMSU FM 89.7.
Mason Dixon Line followed Bertrand with country/rock music.
IV Play, a Mankato band that includes Lantz Dale of New Ulm, closed the event with rock music on Saturday night.
For more information, visit partybythepond.com.
