Crown Point welcomed country stardom to the city on Saturday, hosting the chart topping duo Thompson Square, as well as highly regarded singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann and local artist Nate Venturelli.
The event, coordinated by the City of Crown Point, saw a packed crowd fill Bulldog Park’s Franciscan Health Amphitheater and Pavilion. The concert was the first of its kind for the city, and according to Mayor Dave Uran, proved why Bulldog Park is rapidly becoming one of the community’s crown jewels.
“It’s exciting to see the venue used to this capacity,” he said. “It’s everything we envisioned for it. Obviously, the last couple of years we were getting our feet on the ground, but now we’re showcasing what this park means to the City of Crown Point and the Region. We’re really excited for the opportunity.”
Thompson Square, composed of husband and wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson, is a top-level act known for hits such as “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Are you Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” which went 2x Platinum and topped Billboard’s Country Charts. They are also two time winners of Vocal Duo of the Year at the Country Music Awards. Niemann, meanwhile, co-wrote songs for Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, and many more, along with his own extensive discography.
“I had a chance to talk with Jerrod earlier today,” Uran said. “He was very complimentary of the complex here.”
Fans came from all-around the Region and beyond to see the two national acts, and some, such as Stephanie O’Hearn, were also out to support Venturelli. Her sister is engaged to the local star who is perhaps best known for the song “Union Man,” which he wrote to honor his late grandfather Larry Venturelli.
“We’re here to support him, and we’ve been longtime fans of Thompson Square,” she said. “It’s really cool that they’re right here in Crown Point. We’re excited that we get to see a group like them here locally.”
Uran’s hope is that Thompson Square will be the first of many to grace the stage at Bulldog Park.
“We’ve learned a lot from this first event,” he said. “After this first one, we’ll know what to do to continue having events like this here in Crown Point.”
Keep up with the all the news on upcoming events in Crown Point at www.facebook.com/CPSpecialEvents, and learn everything you need to know about the city on www.crownpoint.in.gov.
