Backyard BBQ Bash

EVENT PRESS RELEASE

Kick-Off 75th Season of the Manitowoc Symphony with a Backyard Barbecue and Beats Featuring Suzie and the Detonators

MANITOWOC, WI, September 4, 2025 – Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is hosting an end-of-summer 75th Season kick-off party! A Backyard BBQ featuring good eats, good music and good fun. Everyone is welcome to join us at this enjoyable and casual event held at the home of MSO Supporter Bill Fricke in Manitowoc. It is an opportunity to come together to show support for the MSO, while reveling in an evening of BBQ delights, musical performances, and joyful camaraderie.

The MSO Backyard BBQ Bash is planned for Wednesday, September 24, with “doors” open at 4:30pm, and dinner served at 5:30pm. Guests can look forward to savoring an array of specialties prepared by Late’s accompanied by beer, wine, spritzers, soda and other beverages. Live music provided by the Lakeshore’s premier party band, Suzie and the Detonators, begins at 5:00pm. Guests can also try their luck in a raffle – ten tickets for $20 (cash only). With prizes themed around pumpkin spice, football, and beverages, it’s a playful seasonal highlight. Throughout the evening, also enjoy lawn games and a cozy bonfire.   

“We’re excited to invite the public to join us in kicking off the 75th season of MSO during a relaxed and enjoyable evening with great entertainment,” remarked host Bill Fricke. “This event is not just about raising funds to support the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra, but also about fostering a sense of camaraderie among our supporters and the community at large. It’s about bringing people together to celebrate music, food, and friendship.”

“We’re immensely grateful to our host, Bill Fricke, whose generosity has made this event possible,” added Peggy Pitz, MSO Executive Director. “His commitment to the arts and to our orchestra is truly commendable, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to gather in such a beautiful setting. I look forward to celebrating 75 years of MSO with friends and supporters in a casual and fun environment. Who’s up for a game of cornhole?”

For more information about the Summer Backyard BBQ FUNraiser or to purchase tickets, please visit manitowocsymphony.org/BBQ. Tickets are $35 per person with all proceeds directly benefitting the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra and its mission to enrich the lives through the power of music. 

ABOUT MSO: Manitowoc, Wisconsin is one of the smallest cities to have its own symphony orchestra. The mission of the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra Association is to promote the highest quality orchestral music experiences available to patrons and musicians. Music’s true power is to move and unite people. Hearing music is about discovering what connects us all—uncovering shared eternal truths. The MSO is currently celebrating its 75th season.  manitowocsymphony.org

CONTACT: Peggy Pitz, MSO Executive Director | 920-684-3492 or pwpitz@ameritech.net