Event Review & Photo Gallery: The Listening Party at Heckrodt Prairie Hootenanny in Menasha, WI
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve was hoppin’ for an unforgettable day as Listening Party played at the annual festival for the second time.
Listening Party. Photo credit: Randal Hicks.
It was a beautiful day for live music as I headed to Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha, Wisconsin, for their annual Prairie Hootenanny. I was going to see Listening Party, a longstanding Americana band from Milwaukee. Add in the lush nature surrounding us, and it was truly a day I won’t soon forget.
Listening Party brought sweet, fun and energetic tunes to those in attendance. The band has now played two Hootenannys and I’m guessing they may be asked back for a third. The crowd was engaged, kids were dancing, and the atmosphere was absolutely gleeful. Their music spoke to you and provided good vibes that made you want to tap your foot.
Randal Hicks at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. Photo courtesy of his wife.
In addition to the great tunes, attendees (including me!) had a chance to interact with snakes provided by a local educational group whose goal is to share the environmental benefits of snakes and dispel fear of them. A little ways away was an exhibit on birds of prey. Both were a great addition to the fun.
I had a chance to talk with Heckrodt's Executive Director, Luke Schiller. It was clear to me that he loves what he does and wants to share it with the entire community. The Reserve serves multiple roles, including home to numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals as well as countless migrating songbirds and waterfowl. There’s an educational building on-site and easily accessible walking trails. The space is designed to be as family friendly as possible, and it’s easy to tell how much love and care goes into maintaining it.
Luke also let us in on what to expect at next year’s Hootenanny: a brand new stage/amphitheater in the Reserve, which will also enable them to host more music throughout the summer. We’re excited to come back and check it all out!
Listening Party. Photo credit: Randal Hicks.
Listening Party is currently touring around Wisconsin. Give them a listen and get out to support these amazing musicians.
Learn more about Heckrodt Wetland Reserve and the events they host.
Event gallery (all photos by Randal Hicks)
Randal Hicks. Photo courtesy of the author.
Randal Hicks is a Chicago native who made the journey to the wonderful Wisconsin Fox Valley area. With a deep passion for music and photography, Randal finds inspiration in the beauty of both sound and visuals. When not capturing life's moments through a camera lens or exploring new musical horizons, Randal finds joy in watching his one-year-old son grow and discover the wonders of the world.
