MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP and Madison Arts Council are partnering to stage summer concerts, dubbed “Let There Be Music,” on Old Black Bear’s patio.

MVP and Madison Arts Council are collaborating to support the arts in Madison and to raise funds to help construction of a performance pavilion in Home Place Park, the new outdoor amphitheater.

“The ”Let There Be Music” concerts will be presented in July through September at 6 p.m. on Old Black Bear’s patio in downtown Madison,” MVP Executive Director Liz Brinton said. Old Black Bear’s main entrance is at 212 Main St., and the patio area is accessible from Martin Street.

Scheduled for Thursdays, the concert series starts on July 8:

* July 8 — JED Eye

* July 15 — Zion Bluegrass District

* July 22 — Divided by Zero

* July 29 — Calypso Vision

* August 5 — Ben Luthy Band

* August 12 — Jeff Tucker

* August 19 — Winslow Davis

* August 26 — Rob and the Red Beards

* September 9 — The PMB

* September 16 — Calypso Vision

* September 23 — Boardertown

* September 30 — The Zooks

The proposed Home Place Park Amphitheater will allow individuals to experience music, theater and nature in a way that enriches, relaxes, soothes and feeds the soul, Brinton said.

The City of Madison has approved and funded the renovation of Home Place Park, located just south of historic downtown Madison and just west of Madison City Schools Stadium. With new amphitheater seating and other improvements, visitors can enjoy outdoor theatrical performances and other events.

City officials envision numerous activities for Home Place Park:

* Weekly ‘concerts in the park’ series.

* Attractions during Madison Street Festival.

* Concert stage for local musical artists.

* MCS pep rallies before home football games.

* Madison Food Truck Nights.

* Event venue for other community groups.

A parallel parking bay with electrical hookups will be added south of Shorter Street to accommodate food trucks. The project will be ADA-accessible. Individuals can walk or bike ride to the park because of its proximity to neighborhoods, downtown and new multi-family housing.

“With additional private funding raised by our community, we can add an outdoor Performance Pavilion that will not only improve the beauty of the park but will significantly improve functionality and allow the city to expand its programming,” Brinton said.

Fundraising goal is $250,000 to build an outdoor pavilion in Home Place Park. Philanthropy levels for the park range from “Park Sponsor” at $200,000; “Concert Sponsor” for $1,500 for a company or family to sponsor a performance at the amphitheater; “Patron of the Arts” for $300 with the donor’s name commemorated on a park path; and other contribution options.

”MVP supports the City of Madison’s mission to improve the quality of life for all citizens. With philanthropic support, MVP can partner with city goals and stretch funding dollars to positively impact local projects,” Brinton said.

For more information, email liz.brinton@mvpmadison.org or Tina Clark with Madison Arts Council at tinalclark1971@gmail.com.