Downtown Whiting once again will be rockin’ to the beat when Studio 659’s Arts Alive! Summer Concert Series returns to the Sheridan Stage at 119th and Sheridan.
Sponsored by Notre Dame Credit Union, the free Friday night concerts begin under the stars on June 9 with a lineup that ranges from classic rock and country to Latin soul and sing-along favorites. Notre Dame Federal Credit Union chief retail officer and Northwest Indiana market president John Wilkening said that the credit union’s partnership with the City of Whiting has been a mutually beneficial venture, making a difference in the community.
“Our standpoint is, and always will be, to continue to support the community and give the fine folks a place to go on Friday nights to be together as one and safe,” said Wilkening. “Whiting has a hometown financial institution in Notre Dame Federal Credit Union that shares profits with its community. To every member-owner of the credit union, I say, thank you, because the more success we have, the more we are able to give back. It truly is an amazing partnership and marriage between Whiting and Notre Dame Federal Credit Union.”
Mayor Steve Spebar, City of Whiting, said that on behalf of the City of Whiting and himself, the credit union’s generosity to many organizations is very much appreciated.
“Notre Dame Federal Credit Union has had a wonderful impact on our community,” he said.
Owned by the City of Whiting and managed by Arts Alive!, Studio 659 is Northwest Indiana's/Southeast Chicago's creativity hub featuring a variety of arts. Located in the heart of the historic downtown district of Whiting, Indiana, Studio 659 is not only an art gallery, but a studio that offers classes to youth and adults, puts on live music events, and hosts other events. These events include the Sheridan Plaza Concert Series, book signings, and more.
The gallery is managed by Arts Alive!, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to cultivate the arts in various ways. The group raises money to essentially give back to the Whiting-Robertsdale art community. These give-backs include, but are not limited to school programs, local theater, symphonies, and libraries according to Kathleen Ulm, vice president of Arts Alive!
“Having John Wilkening and the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union backing the Sheridan Summer Concert Series goes so far beyond just financially supporting Arts Alive! and the concerts,” Ulm said. “They are helping to enrich our community by bringing people together to have fun, inspire, transcend differences, and enrich our lives.”
“Art really has a powerful and positive impact on communities and businesses like Notre Dame Federal Credit Union understand that fully,” Ulm said. “The partnership with Arts Alive! and John has helped us bring even more concerts this summer to our schedule which means more times our community and surrounding communities can gather and celebrate art and downtown Whiting.”
Wilkening said that in his position as chief retail officer of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union overseeing all branches and the national call center, he has the ability to positively impact all the communities that the credit union serves nationwide. However, with his dual role as Northwest Indiana market president, he also can be especially close to residents in Lake County and particularly in his hometown, Whiting, Indiana.
“As an Oiler, Whiting born and bred, the pride I have in this community is unparalleled,” Wilkening said. “It’s such a pleasure to come home, know everyone, know the organizations, and be able to contribute at this level. Serving the community that has so graciously served me since I was born is a remarkable experience. Of all the things that Notre Dame Federal Credit Union has done in the community, we are especially proud of the concert series.”
From the old picnics at Standard Diamonds in the ‘70s, to the concert series today, Whiting has always been a close-knit community, according to Wilkening.
“We have a wonderful walking downtown that provides a beautiful gathering space for families and friends to come together for various events,” Wilkening said. “Whether they stroll the sidewalks, bring their lawn chairs, gather their kids and grandkids or just enjoy their neighbors’ company, it works because it is who we are as a people—a community, a true hometown, a very welcoming group that I’m proud to call my own.”
This season’s concert series schedule includes Jessi & the Fizz on June 9, The Aftermath on June 23, Dave & Dave on July 14, Howl2GO on July 21, Bad Reputation Joan Jett tribute band and the Hair Band Tribute on August 11, Latin Satin Soul on August 18, Gerhart on August 25, South of 30 on September 8, and Sing-a-long Favorites with the Yacht Rock-ettes on September 15.
“Notre Dame Federal Credit Union is thrilled to continue to promote community relationships and family bonding,” Wilkening said.
For more information about the City of Whiting’s Sheridan Plaza concert series, Studio 659, and Arts Alive!, visit the link here.
Learn more about the City of Whiting here.
