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Commission recommends five‑year agreement with KEP Concerts for free Wednesday shows at McEwen Park; one commissioner abstains
Summary
The Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 27 voted to recommend City Council approve a five‑year agreement with KEP Concerts to run free Wednesday evening concerts at McEwen Park; one commissioner abstained from the vote.
The Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 27 voted to recommend that City Council approve a five‑year agreement with KEP Concerts to produce free Wednesday night concerts at McEwen Park. The recommendation passed with one commissioner abstaining.
Staff said concerts at McEwen have run since 2017 and that KEP had the winning response to a recent request for qualifications. The promoter will pay a refundable $5,000 deposit at the start of each season and $400 per concert; the permit fee is expected to cover associated city costs, and the concerts will be free to the public.
Why it matters: Staff and commissioners framed the series as family‑friendly entertainment that draws locals and visitors. Commissioners discussed the park’s role as a community asset and a draw for tourism; one commissioner urged programming that “matches the lake” and appealed to locals.
KEP’s representative, Michael Kapp, told commissioners the series will likely run about eight to nine shows in July and August, will rely on sponsorship for funding, and expects concessionaires for food and beverages. Kapp said he anticipates including a roped‑off beer and wine garden for the Wednesday series and has concessionaires lined up; staff noted liquor permits allow delineated alcohol areas when approved under city policy.
Conflict of interest and vote: A commissioner declared at the meeting that they would abstain on the McEwen concert series item because they play in a band that has performed at the event in past years; that commissioner abstained when the commission voted. The motion was made by Commissioner Tate and seconded by Commissioner Hill; the commission voted in favor with one abstention.
What’s next: The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for approval and placement on an upcoming council agenda. Staff and the promoter said they will finalize show schedules, sponsorships and concession arrangements ahead of the summer season.
