With a possibility of rain in the local forecast Saturday night, people who want to see KC and the Sunshine Band in concert this weekend are hoping the touring group brings sunshine with them to Columbus.
The 15-member classic pop-soul-disco act will headline the outdoor Rock the Park concert, which has never had a weather cancellation since the series began in 2008, at the Mill Race Park amphitheatre.
Kathryn Armstrong, executive director of concert organizer the Columbus Area Arts Council, has been watching forecasts for concert time.
The AccuWeather service as of late Thursday forecast the chance of rain at 38 percent for 7 p.m. Saturday increasing to 54 percent by the time the concert is expected to end around 10 p.m.
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Despite the possibility of showers sometime Saturday night, there are no plans to cancel the show because of rain.
“The show will go on as long as there isn’t a threat of high winds or lightning,” said Tami Sharp, program director for the Columbus Area Arts Council, which organizes the event and uses proceeds for arts programming throughout the year.
The rented stage for the event has a solid covering, enough to protect performers and equipment during periods of light rain, Sharp said.
But even if rain were to impact the show, the arts council has an insurance policy to lessen the risk.
The Columbus Area Arts Council got its first rain insurance policy in 2009 for the Johnson-Witkemper Insurance Biggest Block Party Ever concert and arts fundraiser, held in the Fourth and Washington entertainment district downtown. Although rain came near the end of last year’s event, the arts council has never filed a claim.
Arts council leaders have called the insurance policy for outdoors fundraising events a matter of peace of mind.
Its rain policy with Johnson-Witkemper Insurance for the Rock the Park concert features $75,000 of coverage for an annual premium of $3,300, agent Dan Fox said. Coverage stipulates that three-fourths of an inch of rain must fall between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. at the park the day of the event for the arts council to collect on the insurance.
A crowd of 6,000 attended last year’s Rock the Park concert with the Charlie Daniels Band.
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Overview: Columbus Area Arts Council leaders say they have no plans to cancel Saturday’s Rock the Park Saturday because of rain. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., opening band Minefield Neighborhood plays at 7:30 p.m. and headliner KC and The Sunshine Band is scheduled to perform at 8:30 p.m. Umbrellas are welcome
Show stoppers: Probably only high winds or lightning, according to the arts council.
Updates: Weather-related updates on the show to be posted Saturday on therepublic.com, artsincolumbus.org and the Facebook page for the Columbus Area Arts Council.
Concessions: Beer, wine, soft drinks and food will be available for purchase.
Just saying no: No pets, outside coolers, food, drinks, bicycles or skateboards are allowed into the park. Large bags are subject to inspection.
Smoking: There will be a designated smoking area and a first-aid station within the event space.
Seating for people with disabilities: There will be a designated section. Also, portable, accessible restrooms will be available.
Tickets: $20 in advance at artsincolumbus.org or $25 (cash only) at the gate.
Information: 812-376-2539 or artsincolumbus.org.
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