.jpg)
The warm evenings of summer in Moose Jaw are about to get a familiar soundtrack, as Concerts in the Park returns June 18 — and it is a special anniversary. The event begins its 30th anniversary season, bringing free live music to Crescent Park every Wednesday through August 20.
Organized by the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF), the beloved series has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar — and a quiet powerhouse in support of local healthcare at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
“Concerts in the Park is pure Moose Jaw magic,” said Kelly McElree, executive director of the Health Foundation. McElree also serves as the event’s longtime emcee and is celebrating his own milestone: 20 years at the MJHF.
“Great music, warm summer evenings, and the shared joy of giving back — it’s always wonderful to see our donors, friends, and neighbours enjoying the show.”
Each concert takes place at the Crescent Park Amphitheatre, running from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with collections taken in support of a new local healthcare initiative each year. This season, funds will go toward a state-of-the-art upgrade to the MRI system at Wigmore Hospital — equipment that will allow staff to perform more scans, faster, and provide more patients with access to advanced medical imaging.
“It’s amazing to think this series has brought joy, music, and purpose to Crescent Park for three decades,” McElree said. “And this year, we’re going all out with a few surprises, including a very special guest artist to close out the season on August 20.”
Since its inception, the series has raised over $140,000 for hospital upgrades. But for McElree — and the generations of Moose Javians who show up with lawn chairs and grandkids in tow — the event has meaning above and beyond important fundraising.
“Concerts are filled with laughter, friendship, and song,” he said. “It’s our way of saying thank you to our donors and to the entire community that helps make better healthcare possible.”
The tradition was started by community champion Bill Taylor, who hosted and helped organize the events for its first 10 years. Taylor personally asked McElree to take over as host — a legacy McElree is honoured to continue.
“I took that as quite an honour,” he said. “He loved concerts so much. And every year, we hear from people who are already planning their summer around Wednesday nights in the park.”
The city has even installed a dedicated dance pad near the stage, encouraging young families and longtime supporters alike to get up and enjoy the music. With performers donating their time, the series remains one of the few truly free events in town.
2025 Concerts in the Park Lineup
- June 18 – The Kingsway
- June 25 – Rodney & Bonnie
- July 02 – Chrissie’s Country Band / Dusty Ol’ Farmers
- July 09 – SRW Country
- July 16 – Timothy Lenko
- July 23 – Pure Country
- July 30 – Justntyme
- Aug 06 – Heritage Fiddlers
- Aug 13 – Bonnie & the Jets
- Aug 20 – Special Guest Performance (TBA)