Each summer, the White Lake community gathers along the water’s edge, lawn chairs in tow, to enjoy an evening of music under the open sky. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in the mission of the Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen (ACWL-Nuveen), which has spent nearly four decades fostering the arts locally. At the heart of this tradition is the Free Summer Concert Series—ten weeks of live performances that bring people of all ages together in celebration of music, community, and creativity.
We recently caught up with Erin Peyer, Director at ACWL-Nuveen, to learn more about how the concert series came to be, how it’s grown, and what it takes to keep the music playing year after year.
A Musical Tradition That Began in 1985
“The Arts Council formed in 1985 primarily to promote all forms of arts in the area and to coordinate arts events so there was limited competition,” Peyer explained. “It was in 1985 that the Arts Council started assisting the International Friendship Committee with organizing the concerts at (what was then mostly referred to as) the Music Shell.”
By the following year, the Arts Council had taken on the majority of the organizing duties, hosting “several entertaining summer concerts.” At that time, concerts were held on various days throughout the week. However, by 1988, Tuesday evenings became the norm—a tradition that continues to this day.
“Throughout the years, the Arts Council has hosted between 8 and 11 concerts each summer,” Peyer noted. “It’s consistently been 10 concerts since 2021.”
Fulfilling the Mission Through Music
For ACWL-Nuveen, the Free Summer Concert Series is more than just entertainment—it’s a direct reflection of their mission.
“Our mission is to inspire the White Lake community through accessible and engaging opportunities in the arts,” Peyer shared. “The Free Summer Concert Series truly fulfills our mission in every way. It is accessible both financially—because it’s free—and physically, because you can get there by walking, biking, driving, or even boating!”
The series also includes an engaging element for younger attendees: a free kids’ craft activity at each concert, made possible by the City of Montague.
“And of course,” Peyer added, “it’s hard to gauge when someone feels inspired, but I can personally attest to feeling inspired multiple times over my years as Director!”
Powered by Community Support
Like many successful programs, the Free Summer Concert Series thrives thanks to a network of dedicated sponsors and supporters. From longtime backers to new partners, the series is a community effort.
“We have series sponsors—like CatchMark Technologies, the Michael James Family, and the Viola Bray Charitable Trust—who support all 10 concerts,” Peyer said. “We then have individual sponsors that support specific concerts and—new this year—sound sponsors to help pay for the sound crew.”
Longstanding sponsors include the City of Whitehall, the City of Montague, the Montague-Whitehall Rotary Club, HarborLight Credit Union, and Stan & Jan Gorecki. Peyer also expressed excitement over newer sponsors, such as Scott Geiger of Edward Jones, Elite Air Heating & Cooling, Walk the Beat White Lake, the White Lake Area Chamber, Lisa Wall Interior Design, Big Stone Therapies, Complete Restoration and Cleaning Services, Lascko Services, and Winberg Construction.
Behind the scenes, local governments play a critical role as well. “We work closely with the City of Montague in order to reserve the bandshell,” Peyer said. “The team at the City is always willing to help with whatever we need!”
The Montague Police Department also provides support during higher-attendance concerts, like the ever-popular Magic Bus.
“This is our biggest program each year—we simply couldn’t do it without the support of local businesses, organizations, and governments,” Peyer emphasized.
Building the Lineup
Selecting the performers is a collaborative process that begins months before the first note is played.
“We consider many things when performers are selected,” Peyer explained. “We get emails throughout the year from bands who are interested in performing, and we also collect feedback through a survey at the end of each season.”
The goal is a balanced lineup that blends genres, mixes cover bands with original artists, and highlights local talent.
“We also try to book at least one super local band each summer,” Peyer said. And one thing is guaranteed: “We always book Magic Bus because we would be in big trouble if we didn’t!”
Volunteers Make It Happen
In addition to financial sponsors, the series relies heavily on volunteers to help things run smoothly.
“Volunteers help us brainstorm, prep, and facilitate the free crafts for kids each week,” Peyer said. “They also help with parking and with collecting donations during intermission at each concert.”
Even rain can’t stop the music, thanks to local schools. “Montague is our primary rain location,” she said. “But Whitehall will be our rain location for two weeks this summer when Montague Fine Arts Center won’t be available.”
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor discovering White Lake for the first time, the Free Summer Concert Series offers something special: a welcoming space where music brings people together, week after week.
“It’s an honor to help create these moments,” Peyer shared. “And we’re so grateful to everyone who helps make them possible.”
Want to see who’s performing this summer?
Check out the full 2025 Free Summer Concert Series lineup here.
catchmarkcommunity.com/arts-council-of-white-lake-reveals-2025-free-concert-lineup
