Fishstock Music Series Hosts an Incredible 2019 Line-Up

By Laurel Ciohon

If you’re not familiar with Fishstock Concert Music Series, you’re missing out! Concerts at Fishstock are held in a 100-year-old Door County barn which seats 300 in the ground-level area and 150 in the hayloft acoustic area. The ground-level can also seat an additional 300 in the outside area. With modern lighting and sound systems and a digital projector that relays the stage view for outdoor viewing, Fishstock hosts an incredible line-up of musical artists during its summer seasons, with 2019 being its best yet.

John Ford Coley at Fishstock Concert Series. Photo Credit: Laurel Ciohon

Well into its performance season which started on June 30, Fishstock Concert Series featured a performance by singer-songwriter John Ford-Coley on Sunday, August 4. Well-known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, who had several extremely popular songs in the 1970’s and early 80’s, Coley put on quite a show for a near-full house on that beautiful Sunday evening. The classically trained on piano and an avid guitarist was engaging, funny, and had the audience singing along to songs like Some Things Don’t Come Easy and Just Tell Me You Love Me.

When arriving at Fishstock, follow the parking signs into a huge parking lot field. There is plenty of signage and a lighted path to the concert entrance at the back of the barn. Purchasing tickets online prior to arrival is encouraged, but you may buy tickets at the ticket booth as well. The grounds at Fishstock, otherwise known as Camp David, are vast and beautiful, with flower gardens, wild fields, chickens running around, and an old farmhouse and barn outbuildings.

Fishstock Concert Series features a wide variety of musical genres, including folk, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, flamenco, blues, reggae, or good old rock n’ roll. When Fishstock first began over 20 years ago, folk music was the primarily focus. Over the years, the popular venue has matured – from a gathering spot for Door County youth and free-spirits – to a well-respected concert series featuring award-winning musicians, local artists, and show recordings released as live albums. Weekly performances so far this 2019 season have included Will Kruger, Michael P. Smith, Stas & Misha, Gypsy Caravan Swing Ensemble, and Handpicked Bluegrass Band. See below for upcoming shows.

Steve Elman, Fishstock’s founder and owner, takes great pride in his property and what it has become over the last 20+ years. The experience that is Fishstock is not quite like any other in Door County. Watching a show in the historic barn is special; it’s a unique, personal experience that you won’t soon forget.

Fishstock offers coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks free of charge during concert breaks. The concert donation is $20 for reserved tickets and $15 for general admission for adults. Children under 12 are free. Fishstock t-shirts and hats are available for purchase at the ticket booth.

Upcoming Concerts:

8/18: Janet Planet – www.janetplanet.com “When it comes to understanding a lyric and the music behind it, Janet Planet truly “gets it.” Her soulful, heartfelt readings, with a perfectly in-tune, pure voice “from heaven,” brings Dylan back to us on a silver platter, and really hits home.” (by Gene Baroncini in Jazz Guitarist).

8/25: Jimmy “Daddy” Davis – www.jimmydaddy.com Jimmy returns to Fishstock with energy to spare, in a career that has spanned four decades of performances, writing, acting and singing. He has recorded with many “top” artists and is a wonder to watch, listen and enjoy. Jimmy is an excellent storyteller and incorporates that talent into his songs.

9/1: Eric Lewis and Friends – ericlewismemphis.com Eric Lewis is back to celebrate our final concert of the year. He always brings an extremely talented group of musicians to keep everyone excited about the performance and this year is no exception. Hailing from Memphis, Eric has been nominated in consecutive years for the Premier String Player Award for highly justifiable reasons. Please join us to celebrate both Labor Day and Eric Lewis and Friends.

Fishstock Concert Series is located at 3127 County Rd. F, Fish Creek. 920.421.5555, fishstockmusic.com