by Jerry Swanberg

It will be a fantastic summer for Big Bands! Twenty four different Big Bands will perform 85 FREE summer concerts in 43 different parks. Leading the parade is three way tie for first place with nine concerts (Bend in the River BB / Jazz on the Prairie BB / Brio Brass), followed by a two way tie for fourth with five concerts (Stan Bann BB / Roseville BB), and a three way tie for sixth with four concerts (Classic BB / Brady’s BB / Southside BB). The busiest spot this summer is the Como Park Lakeside Pavilion with 15 concerts.  Next is the Lake Harriet Bandshell and Centennial Lakes Park in Edina with eight concerts. Following is the entire list.