Don't worry about the tunderstorm warnings, the weather is going to be nice tomorrow for our next Uptown Friday Night. Some of us on the committee have been thinking about it, and we've figured out the weather pattern: our Thursday golf league keeps getting rained out, but the weather clears up for Friday. That's OK, because we're such nice guys (and our golf game isn't that good anyway). We'll take one for the team so that you, our loyal patrons, can start your weekend at Uptown Friday Nights.

This week we have the Backbone Blues Band playing from 5:00 to 8:00. Disco Don and Waldo from Mix 96 1/2 will be on stage to announce the second big winner in the Mix 96 1/2 Summer Of Fun. These are the guys that get you through the night on WMT. Stop by and put faces with the names. I have also heard rumors that AT&T; Broadband will have cameras at the show to tape a commercial to be aired on AT&T; cable television. If you like to be in front of the camera, this could be your big chance. (I know I'll be doing my best to stay out of the picture, but that's just me). Our guest pourers this week will be from EnCompass Iowa, Great America Leasing, Guaranty Bank & Trust, KWKB-20, and Vigortone.

While I've got your attention, I'd like to mention a few bits of news:

* Be sure to sign our petition to expand Uptown Friday Nights. This is very important as we begin planning next year's event. We need to demonstrate to the city council that the community is behind Uptown Friday Nights. Every signature is important, so tell your friends to sign the petition as well.

* On June 29th we will be having AT&T; Broadband at the park taping the entire Swing Crew show. The show will be rebroadcast during the month of July on Cable Channel 10.

* Also at the June 29th show the Cedar Rapids Jaycees will be presenting three large donations. We look forward to the opportunity to publicly give back to the community that has been so good to us.

* Remember to listen Mix 96 1/2 every Friday morning during the 8:00 hour. Each week representatives from the Jaycees will be on the air with Gary and Kristen to promote Uptown Friday Nights. Deb Maue and I will be on tomorrow, and we will be starting a new tradition of giving away FREE PASSES to listeners!

See you at the park,

Nathan Franzen
[email protected]