The Drovers play Wittenberg’s Art Park

WITTENBERG — The crowd-favorite Drovers will once again be returning as part of the Walls of Wittenberg summer concert series on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.

The park is right next to the WOWSPACE at 114 Vinal St., which is where the band will play if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The local favorite features five musicians and instruments that include drums, steel guitar, keyboards, trumpet and guitars. This band has been going for a couple generations now. The current band members are Gary Wyman, Conrad Groshek, Irv Kovalski, Dave Simonis and Rob Wyman.

They have a playlist of hundreds of songs, ranging from all types of country to rock and roll over the years to polkas and waltzes. Definitely crowd-driven, the Drovers never play from a pre-set playlist, they prefer to cater to audience requests.

“We’re lucky to get the Drovers here for the concert in the Art Park series,” said Meg Hartleben, concert coordinator. “They’ve got a loyal fan base and always bring in a nice crowd.”

New this year, WOW has invited nonprofits to come sell food at this event.

“People have always been encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to the concerts,” said WOW President Elaine Knab. “We also invite them to bring their own comfortable lawn chairs and blankets.”

Knab acknowledged that not everyone wants to bring their own food and by opening the event up to other non-profits to sell food is a good way to get the community involved.

The Homme Foundation will be selling brats, burgers, hot dogs, fries, nachos, chips and Pepsi products.

WOW volunteers will be scooping free refreshing ice cream cones.

The concert is free thanks to the money earned through the performances of Crossroads Community Theatre, the performing arts arm of WOW. Donations are always accepted and appreciated and the WOWSPACE is open during the concert. Currently, the permanent collection of WOW is on display. Every muralist donates a rendition of their mural idea for the permanent collection.

The Drovers have had the opportunity to support nationally recognized artists, including Tammy Wynette, Tex Ritter, Marty Stuart and The Bellamy Brothers. Band member Rob Wyman owns Rubbersoul Productions, which contracts with the national acts to perform at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High school auditorium during the school year.