by Dennis Dalman
Now in its sixth summer-fall season, the Rolling Ridge Wood-Fired Wednesday concert series, which opened May 18, has become an entertainment staple in St. Joseph.
Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center is the site for the Wednesday musical evenings. It is located at 31101 CR 133, past the Coborn’s Store.
The event takes place every Wednesday and combines live musical entertainment and casual fun foods, including wood-fired oven pizzas and – new this year – “Minnesota Street Tacos” with specialty sauces and a variety of Southwest salads, said owner Randy Schmitz. There is also a full-service bar that offers craft beers, among other refreshments.
It’s recommended people bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Each Wood-Fired Wednesday will take place every Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. From 4-6 p.m. there will be deejay entertainment by Digital Encore. Then from 6-9 p.m. a featured band or acoustic performer(s) will provide live music. During the entertainment, visitors can walk into the atrium and order foods. When the food is ready, the visitors will be notified by phone text message that their orders are ready for pick-up.
Each Wednesday, there will be a drawing for an item of jewelry provided by JF Kruse Jewelers.
There is a $5 entrance fee to the events. VIP tables can be reserved. In case of rain, the events will be held inside.
The following are the dates for each of the musical performances for the 17 consecutive Wednesdays:
June 1: Jen Lamb with Jim; June 8: Andy Austin; June 15: The Locals; June 22: Trainwreck Duet; June 29: Dave Lumley; July 6: Walter’s Wheelhouse; July 13: The Hero and the Villain; July 20: Trace Elements; July 27: The Locals; Aug. 3: Jen Lamb with Jim; Aug. 10: Maddy Braun; Aug. 17: Andy Austin; Aug. 24: Aksel Krafnick; Aug. 31: Dave Lumley with Lara; Sept. 7: Walter’s Wheelhouse; Sept. 14: Switch.
The casual, relaxed Wood-Fired Wednesday entertainment events take place every Wednesday afternoon/evening from now to mid-September at the Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center in St. Joseph.
