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DON’T MISS THE “PORTAGE 2025 SUMMER MUSIC SERIES”  FREE CONCERTS!
“SPIKE AND THE SPITWADS” TO PERFORM JULY 8th, AT WOODLAND PARK!    


If you love classic 50s and early 60s rock, don’t miss Spike and the Spitwads, appearing on stage at Woodland Park, Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, in Portage, Indiana!  This terrific concert is part of the 2025 Portage Summer Music Series of FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC concerts continuing through July and August! This year’s fabulous concert lineup offers a variety of great music by seasoned bands and solo artists performing at two great Portage venues:  Woodland Park (indoors at Oakwood Hall) and a new location--outdoors at the Portage Public Library Learning Garden.


Spike and the Spitwads really know how to put on a blast- from -the – past rock ‘in roll concert!  “For almost five decades now, our crowds love it-- and we love them,” says the band’s bassist and lead vocalist, Frank VanSchoyck, who adds, “and it’s interesting how the band came to be.”   VanSchoyck explains: “Spike and the Spitwads is the alter-ego of our classic rock band, “Middle of the Road Band”, which is who we perform as also.  When we take the stage as Spike and the Spitwads, we have not only a different playlist from Middle of the Road Band but we perform as different personas as well. It’s a lot of fun! Spike and the Spitwads came about in 1975, when we added classic 50s music and early 60s rock and roll oldies oldies to our repertoire-- music we grew up with!  And, when we perform as Spike and the Spitwads, we also try to look the part, by dressing in 50s/60s rocker style.  My persona is Spike. I’m supposed to be a 50s tough guy!” Spike and the Spitwads band also features Doub Oberman (aka Duke), lead guitar/vocals; Mike Richards (aka Norman) drummer/vocals; and Glen Maranda (aka Jocko LaRocco), keyboard/vocals.  Bring family and friends and enjoy an evening of great music! And don’t forget your dance shoes—you’ll need them!
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING PORTAGE 2025 SUMMER MUSIC SERIES FREE CONCERTS!

 

WOODLAND PARK (Oakwood Hall) Concert Schedule:

2100 Willowcreek Road (just south of US 20).  

Indoors: Seating is provided.

 

TUESDAYS

July 29:        6:00-7:30pm    Harley Hehr, Comedian/Vocals & Jim Bulanda Vocalist 

August 5:    6:00-7:30pm    Doz Guys, 50s, 60s, 70s

August 12:  6:00-7:30pm    Dave “Elvis” Thomas, Elvis Tribute

August 26:  6:00-7:30pm    Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones, 50s, 60s, Rock-a-billy  

 

  

PORTAGE LIBRARY LEARNING GARDEN Concert Schedule:

2665 Irving Street.  Outdoors: Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 

 

TUESDAY,   July 15:       6:00-7:30pm    Wolffgang, Hobart High School Girls Vocal Group

SUNDAY,    July 20:       2:00-3:30pm    Mariachi Gavilanes de Chicago, Mariachi Band

SUNDAY,    August 17: 2:00-3:30pm    Jack Evans, Country, Singer/Guitarist

Not to forget!  Although donations are not required, all concerts are collection sites for donations to Gabriel’s Horn Homeless Shelter. Concert-goers can donate paper goods, canned goods, non-perishable boxed food items, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bathroom paper, shampoo, conditioner, hygiene items, etc. Cash donations are welcome as well!  

 
A great collaborative effort, the Portage 2025 Summer Concert Series is produced in partnership with Portage LIVE!, a (501) (c)(3) not-for-profit organization; grants from John W. Anderson Foundation and Porter County Community Foundation; facilities provided by City of Portage Parks and Recreation and the Portage Public Library (Porter County Public Library System or PCPLS); and from donations by local residents and Portage Chamber business members!

For more information, contact Portage LIVE! (Terry Hardin) at (219) 762-5025 or visit www. portagelive.org (click on “Summer Music”); or the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce at (219) 762-3300; or City of Portage Parks & Recreation at (219) 762-1675.

Spike and the Spitwads to Perform July 8th at Woodland Park