City Council Backs RAA’s September Concert

The City of Batesville is showing support for a September concert featuring a big name act.

City Council approved a $15,000 Belterra riverboat revenue-sharing request from the Rural Alliance for the fall concert featuring country singer John Michael Montgomery.

The funding will be used for lighting and audio needs.

Rural Alliance for the Arts Vice President Regina Siefert said, “We are really excited the town is backing it as strongly as that. That just sends a message that this is an important event and the RAA is an important group in the city, and we appreciate that.”

The concert is slated for Saturday, September 13. Up to 5,000 tickets will be available when the concert goes on sale this summer.

Siefert and fellow board member Jeff Pawlik are co-chairs for the concert. They said the event will benefit local businesses and community organizations.

“I just feel this is going to bring so many people [into town]. That’s 5,000 people that are coming into the city to maybe purchase dinner before they go, buy gas before they leave, come to the concert,” Siefert said.

Pawlik stated, “We are trying to get everybody involved as much as possible to enjoy this and benefit from this. The Rural Alliance for the Arts is making money just off the concert. Things like beer sales and concessions are going to other non-profits.”