If you’re like me, then you appreciate food, music and trying new things. What’s even better is when all of these things are free (because we’re in college and who doesn’t love free?)!

That’s why I was thrilled when I heard about Concerts on the Green. This is one of many events brought to the Winona community by the Great River Shakespeare Festival.

Beginning this Friday at 5pm, there will be FREE music, yard games and food on campus in front of the PAC. It’s the first concert of the 2016 season, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy our beautiful campus in the summer! Concerts on the Green will be on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7pm until the end of July.

The concert stage set up outside the PAC on campus.

If you’re not really into music, I still highly encourage you to attend! It’s a great opportunity to open yourself up to something new without any cost to you.

So, you’re not a fan of jazz? Then you should definitely attend nights like Saturday, June 25 that feature jazz bands and music you are not particularly attuned to. Fully immersing yourself in a fun environment with live music you aren’t used to will give you a greater appreciation for different styles of music.

For instance, in early high school I used to only like mainstream pop music. But when my older sister began driving me to school I was forced to listen to alternative rock in her car every day. Even though I definitely did not start out as a fan of her style of music, I ended up loving it and now that’s pretty much all I listen to.

Sometimes you don’t know what you really like until you try it a few times.

I’m so happy to be spending my summer in Winona for many reasons – one definitely being Concerts on the Green. Hope to see you there!