Pawnee Bold photo

PAWNEE CITY – The Pawnee City High School band and choir will kickoff the inaugural summer concert series for the new amphitheater with performances at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8.

The area formerly known as South Park was renamed the VanHorne Amphitheater to honor the family’s contributions to the community. The city council renamed the park in 2022 noting the family’s vital historic role in economic and social leadership.

Also scheduled is the Southeast Community Band, polka, family jam band, ice cream socials, screening of the movie CARS and dueling pianos.

 

2025 VanHorne Amphitheater

Summer Concert Series

April 8: Pawnee City High School Band and Choir – 6:00 PM
Start the season with pride as our talented local students kick things off with a lively performance under the direction of Andrea Veleba (band)  and Laura Dieckgrafe (choir).  

May 25: Southeast Nebraska Community Band – 7:00 PM
Enjoy the rich tradition of community concert band music with this dynamic ensemble of local musicians. Ice cream social at 6:30pm with free will donation to the Pawnee County Arts Council. 

May 31: Greg’s Good Time Polka Band – 7:00 PM
It’s polka time! Get ready for toe-tapping fun with this crowd-pleasing, family-friendly favorite by local talent Greg Blecha of the Nebraska Polka Hall of Fame. Free ice cream social at 6:30pm with free will donation to the Pawnee County Arts Council.  

June 28: Frailin’ Hearts – 7:00 PM
A soulful acoustic family jam band delivering heartfelt harmonies and Americana spirit. Free ice cream social at 6:30pm with free will donation to the Pawnee County Arts Council. 

July 12: Denise and the Jane Doe Duo – 7:00 PM
Blending rock and country with powerhouse vocals and guitar finesse. Free ice cream social at 6:30pm with free will donation to the Pawnee County Arts Council. 

Aug. 6: CARS movie outdoor screening

With Special Guest Larry the Cable Guy - 8:00 PM

Our local celebrity hosts a family movie night, viewed on a giant inflatable movie screen down in the VanHorne Amphitheater. 7:30 PM Ice cream social and meet and greet with Larry. 

August 9th: Dueling Pianos: Mike Morris and Rich Caruso - 7:00 PM Dueling Pianos with Mike Morris and Rich Caruso. Enjoy a variety of hits and sing-alongs in a relaxed, fun environment. Free ice cream social at 6:30pm with free will donation to the Pawnee County Arts Council.