Once again last week the weather was looking rather ominous as we prepared for the Rookery's second Sunday of live outdoor music this season. As a matter of fact, we darn near moved the whole shebang indoors. But we didn't. And sure enough, once again, after the first few songs, the clouds began to dissipate and it turned into quite a beautiful afternoon. Not saying the Rookery and our wonderful musicians deserve full credit. But we're certainly willing to take it as a good sign!

And I must say that we rather needed a good sign...after the beating our tent took for the second consecutive week. This time the issue wasn't the tent nearly blowing away. On the contrary, it seems we may have battened it down a little too well if anything. So when monsoon rains set in last Thursday the metal framework budged nary an inch. But the quickly accumulating water caused the nylon top to bow so heavily against that solid frame that most of the velcro attachment straps came ripping right off. Which ironically was probably a good thing. Since that allowed the water to gush off where the tent separated from the frame, saving the entire top from being torn to smithereens.

And so, with a bit of special super glue from Rondeaus, we're back in business for the upcoming weekend. Though it's clear we'll need to be ever vigilant during this summer of ongoing torrential downpours. Which is why you may notice our tent in various stages of undress during the week.

But we plan to have 'er fully dressed again by this Sunday afternoon (which is forecast to be beautiful, by the way) when singer/songwriter Fizz Kizer of New Richmond, WI returns to the Rookery stage. An audience favorite last summer, Fizz especially loves writing and playing songs about the outdoors. And about rivers, in particular. His debut album, The River Road, showcases his love of living and traveling along the Mississippi River. His song, The Current was featured on Coast to Coast AM, the number one rated overnight radio program in North America with a listening audience of over three million. Hear a preview of Fizz's music HERE.

Once again the Rookery grill will fire up at 1:30 and the music begins at 2. We hope to see you then!

And if you happen to know of a good deal to be had on a sturdy good old-fashioned circus style tent, be sure to let me know. Though I learned during a visit this week to the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua that even they sometimes must resort to a few tubes of special super glue!

Summer Schedule Now in Effect

Did you know the Rookery is once again open 7 nights a week for dinner? Or that we're now serving lunch on Saturdays? In addition, of course, to our special patio grill menu in conjunction with live outdoor music on Sunday afternoons.

See our full schedule and special discount days below.