Manitowoc
Metrostage Bandshell
10/13/2017
On June 9, 1996, the 50-year old dream of Donald and Margaret Hacker was fulfilled with the grand opening of the Metrostage in Washington Park. Mr. Hacker was a musician and president of the Manitowoc Musicians Association Local 195 for 18 years (1940-1958). By 1952, the association had 365 members and was third largest in the state. He was an employee of Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company and during the WWII years, he organized a band, the "Submariners" which played at submarine launching events. He also played throughout this time in several other area bands.
His bandshell dream started in 1948 when he had thought that the community should have a permanent one in Washington Park, a City block (3.75 acres) in downtown Manitowoc. Over the next four years, he arranged many fundraising events and $5,000 was secured. By 1952, City alders voted to build it. A local architect, Frederick W. Raeber, was hired to design one and the cost was estimated to be $20,000 to $40,000. However, how to obtain the remaining funding remained an issue and also alders could not agree on the site, thus it was never built. Mr. Hacker passed away in 1963. Sometime after that, the City purchased a portable bandshell for Washington Park with the funds that had been raised.
It was in 1994 that Mayor Kevin Crawford and the common council began efforts to build a permanent performance facility. The current bandshell very much resembles the original design of Mr. Raeber - a traditional style bandshell. The architect-engineer firm was Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates of St. Paul, MN, and general contractor was Wall-Rich. The funding was provided by a gift from the West Foundation, and supported by the Manitowoc Jaycees, Manitowoc families, and many volunteer hours.
MetroFest Dedication, June 6, 1996
A dedication of the Metrostage Bandshell was celebrated with four days of "METROFEST 1996". The event featured Manitowoc Marine Band and the U WI Center Manitowoc County Lakeshore Big Band along with a fish boil in the Park on June 6 and 7. Metro Jam music with Ozark Mountain Daredevils played along with Greg Koch and the Tone Controls along with five other acts on June 8. Fireworks concluded the evening. On June 9, a Day in the Theater featured The Masquers, Inc., TRACTS, and Edelweiss.
In 2014, a new roof and gutter system was installed sue to hail storm and age. It otherwise remains the same.
A dedication of the Metrostage Bandshell was celebrated with four days of "METROFEST 1996". The event featured Manitowoc Marine Band and the U WI Center Manitowoc County Lakeshore Big Band along with a fish boil in the Park on June 6 and 7. Metro Jam music with Ozark Mountain Daredevils played along with Greg Koch and the Tone Controls along with five other acts on June 8. Fireworks concluded the evening. On June 9, a Day in the Theater featured The Masquers, Inc., TRACTS, and Edelweiss.
In 2014, a new roof and gutter system was installed sue to hail storm and age. It otherwise remains the same.
Concerts are held on Tuesdays, Tuesday Tunes, and Thursdays with the Manitowoc Marine Band
Metro Jam, an annual two-day event featuring a variety of music and acts, is held in June.
Metro Jam, an annual two-day event featuring a variety of music and acts, is held in June.
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