Last month, the Eagles tribute band Desperados offered a free concert for the community at Pioneer Plaza. Folks brought their lawn chairs and enjoyed music, food, and friends in Englewood’s premier venue.
It’s easy to take for granted the events, art, and activities that make Englewood special. But behind the free concerts, art festivals, classes, and other community-centered events are people working hard to make things happen. They provide free entertainment, make Dearborn Street interesting and attractive to visitors, and bring the arts and the community together. John Munn is one of those dedicated workers.
The Englewood REVIEW spoke with Munn about his community activism and his organization, Bay Side Arts, a nonprofit that sponsors free community concerts among other programs.
“Music, art, performance and creativity of any kind is what brings people together to create a community experience,” Munn said.
The organization’s flagship program, “Wednesdays@5,” showcases top-tier local musicians in a dedicated music-appreciation format. As of June, the weekly event will mark three years of continuous operation. Currently on hiatus because of the summer heat, The Old Florida Outdoor Gallery, 463 W. Dearborn St. normally hosts Wednesdays@5, weather permitting.
The free event functions as a full dinner-theater experience, featuring food from The Portly Pirate smash burger truck and libations from the venue’s Bird Bar. The program relies entirely on sponsorships and community financial support through audience tips to remain sustainable.
Bay Side Arts also focuses heavily on visual arts through its “Art in Paradise” initiative. The program unites local artists for exhibitions, festivals, and live demonstrations. Bay Side Arts has partnered with Rumours Wine Bar several times for “Sip & See: A Palette of Possibilities.” A diverse showcase of artwork from local artists was displayed, paired with a thoughtfully selected offering of fine wines. By partnering directly with area businesses, the initiative drives foot traffic to commercial locations, allowing merchants to benefit from the increased consumer draw.
“Groovin’ in the Gallery,” a program subtitled “where Art meets Music,” explores the intersection of different art forms. The initiative invites local musicians to perform three songs for an audience explicitly focused on a listening and music-appreciation experience.
The event previously ran for 18 months at the Englewood Art Center, a facility owned by the Ringling College of Art and Design, before pandemic-related closures paused operations. As a free event, it successfully boosted gallery attendance numbers, aiding the institution in its application for funding grants.
The nonprofit also utilizes a mobile concept called “PUMA” (Pop Up Music Areas). Designed to activate any space with access to electricity and room for a crowd, PUMA deploys musicians to unexpected locations. Bay Side Arts has arranged for musicians to set up outside shops on Dearborn Street during “Discover Dearborn” evenings. Bay Side Arts specifically tailors the program to assist businesses and street festivals in drawing crowds to local business districts.
As Wednesdays@5 prepares to return after the summer break, Munn and Bay Side Arts show no signs of slowing down. Bay Side Arts will spend time over the summer developing new programs to support its mission to “cultivate culture, community with commerce.” For Englewood residents and visitors alike, the upcoming season promises even more opportunities to step outside, support local businesses, connect with the community, and experience the connective power of the arts firsthand.
Click here for more information about Bay Side Arts.
