pat mAcdonald Tribute Potluck, Concert at DCA July 29

Dozens of artists of Steel Bridge Songfest will take the stage at Door Community Auditorium (DCA) in Fish Creek to pay tribute to Grammy-nominated, Sturgeon Bay-based songwriter pat mAcdonald July 29. In addition to a main stage performance of mAcdonald’s songs at 8 pm, there will be a pre-show courtyard concert and potluck in the DCA courtyard at 6 pm.

The pre-show courtyard concert features 12 songs by artists ranging from James Hall to Robin and Jenny Bienemann. Hot dogs, “not-dogs,” chips, sides, and beverages will be provided by DCA. Attendees are encouraged to bring a clearly marked dish to share. The pre-show concert is free to 8 pm ticketholders.

Singer, guitarist and songwriter pat mAcdonald grew up in Green Bay, gained fame in the duo Timbuk3 (known for their hit “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades”), traveled the world as a musician, and now lives in Sturgeon Bay.

Dozens of well-respected artists from Steel Bridge Songfest—the annual collaborative songwriting festival mAcdonald founded more than a decade ago—will join forces to celebrate mAcdonald’s storied creativity and musicianship. All told, 46 songs will be performed by 38 artists.

Joe Kaftan and Cathy Grier are producing the concert. Kaftan also initiated a CD tribute to mAcdonald. That project has now expanded into a eight-disc, three-volume set called Begging His Graces: The Songs and Sins of pat mAcdonald by the Artists of Steel Bridge Songfest. Begging His Graces will be available for sale at the July 29 concert.

Tickets range from $20 to $28; $10 for students age 18 and under. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made through the DCA box office, located at 3926 Highway 42 in Fish Creek. The box office is open 12 – 5 pm, Monday through Friday. For tickets, stop by the box office, call 920.868.2728 or visit dcauditorium.org.