Last year we coined a new slogan, "Where your weekend begins." That's a pretty bold statement, and I'm pleased to say that we are up to the challenge. The Cedar Rapids Jaycees are back, and we brought friends.

What friends, you ask? For starters, Mix 96.5 and Mediacom are back as our media partners. (Don't ask me how, but apparently they didn't get fed up with us last year.) But wait, there's more! It seems our friends have friends, so we're proud to have 100.7 The Fox join us this year. Hello, Iowa City!

We've also got friends on stage. Has anybody heard of a little band named Swing Crew? How about the Large Midgets? By popular demand, we booked them both twice this year. If once is good, then twice must be better! To prove that point, Mediacom is going to tape 2 shows this summer. Remember how much fun that was last year? Some of you were on camera more than the band! (We know who you are, and we'll see you at the park!)

With no further delay, here is the 2002 Uptown Friday Nights schedule. You'll see some familiar names, but we are excited to have some fresh talent in this year's lineup.

May 24 Swing Crew
May 31 Mackie Blue
June 7 Bohemian Soul Tribe
June 14 Flat Cat
June 21 LARGE Midgets
June 28 Swing Crew
July 5 Big Wooden Radio
July 12 Party Mix Specialists
July 19 LARGE Midgets
July 26 The Uninvited

See you at the park!

- Nathan
[email protected]