Local musicians reflect on 9th consecutive season of Music on the Patio

BY PRESTON FRAZIER

HOMETOWN GIRARD

▸▸ For eight consecutive years, “Music on the Patio” has entertained Southeast Kansas patrons with summer music. The Friends of Crawford State Park organize this event at the lakeside, with Lakeside Cafe offering refreshments in a scenic outdoor setting. Joe Bournonville, past president, called it “a very unique venue that showcases local talent in an open-air setting with the beauty of Crawford State Lake as a backdrop.” He added, “I most enjoy seeing happy faces enjoying an evening of music in the beautiful natural environment of Crawford State Park.” Artists perform frequently, and demand is high. “We currently have a waiting list of performers who are interested in coming to perform at ‘Music on the Patio’,” Bournonville said.

This year’s season ended on September 26th. Multiple performers, including Dan Duling and Robert Tersinar, participated. Both are well-known in the Girard and Southeast Kansas community and are staples in the series. They have enjoyed music since an early age. “As a young person, I realized early on that I wasn’t particularly athletic, but I did have musical talent,” Duling said. “What I enjoy most about music is that it allows for both individual growth and group collaboration. You can work on your own craft, and then bring those skills together with others in a choir, duo, or band. There’s real magic in that moment when a group collectively produces a sound and shares in the joy of it.”

Tersinar’s musical journey started early with instrument lessons. “I took guitar and piano lessons as a young child, but I never really clicked with either one of those instruments,” he said. “I started drums in the 6th-grade band and took private lessons with band director Phil Kurtz. Things seemed to click.”

Both musicians have performed for years in Southeast Kansas, including multiple times at Crawford State Park. Reflecting on what makes the summer concert series so special for local performers, Duling described the unique sense of connection the weekly gatherings foster.
“I really appreciate, along with my musician friends, the beautiful setting and the tremendous support from the Friends of Crawford State Park,” he said. “It feels like a family gathering every Friday night—sharing time, stories, and music together.”

For fellow performer Tersinar, the draw is the atmosphere and the people who make it possible.
“It is always fun to play at the Lake,” Tersinar added. “They have a tremendous community that works together to keep everything going out there.”

Those shared memories and collaborations have unfolded alongside steady improvements to the venue itself. Bournonville explained that the setting has evolved with features that enhance the experience for both musicians and audiences alike. “This provides an amazing experience that touches all of the senses. It’s a unique environment that is unmatched anywhere in the area.”

Up next for “Music on the Patio” and the Friends of Crawford State Park is the 2026 season. The scheduling for that will begin in January. As part of that, various other elements are taking place to enhance the experience and setting. “During the off-season, we will be looking to improve the electrical service, shade, and other aspects of the venue,” said Bournonville.

For many, “Music on the Patio” has been a highlight in Southeast Kansas since 2015. Whether you like country music, rock and roll, or anything in between, providing a diverse range of music genres is a key aspect of this series. And the series doesn’t seem to be slowing down. “We look forward to providing this opportunity for performers and patrons for years to come,” Bournonville added. “The performers love coming to the lake for two primary reasons: the setting is amazing, and the audience is always appreciative and enthusiastic. Those attending can often be seen singing along, clapping with the rhythm, and even dancing in their seat or in front of the band.”

Down the road and in the coming months, be looking for announcements on next year’s plans and lineup on their Facebook page, “Friends of Crawford State Park.”