COEUR d'ALENE — When Chris Guggemos moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1980, his goal was to have a future in music production.

That future began to be realized in 1992 when he was hired to produce weekly concerts in Sherman Square Park. Now, 25 years after that first summer, Guggemos is celebrating the milestone and the tradition he has created.

"I bump into people in the grocery store, and they don’t remember my name, but they say, 'Hey music man, when do the concerts start?'" Guggemos said Thursday. "It’s just the pleasure that people have had over the years."

Guggemos and his entertainment agency, Handshake Productions, have produced about 650 concerts since the first show in Sherman Square Park. Other locations have included Stoneridge Resort in Blanchard, Deer Park, Spirit Lake, Post Falls and Rathdrum, and the shows are continuing this summer in Sherman Square, Coeur d'Alene City Park and Hayden City Park.

The Summer Concert Series features a variety of sound and talent, from country bands and Irish Celtic music to rock 'n' roll, reggae and big-band. With the concert budget raised through sponsorships, the best part is they're all free. They've always been free.

"I’m still very blessed that I’ve been able to make a living scheduling entertainment," he said. “To be able to do it for 25 years is remarkable to me."

This has been an eventful year for Guggemos, who experienced a high and low point in April. He released his first CD, "One Short of A Dozen," which is filled with an eclectic collection of his original music. The album title reflects the large family of 12 Guggemos grew up in and one important piece that went missing when their father died.

"It’s been exciting to release it and also a relief," he said. "I've been wanting to do it for 25, 30 years."

Also that month, he was diagnosed with cancer and is presently being treated with chemotherapy and radiation.

"I get up in the morning and I go to radiation and then I go to work, then I go to another appointment," he said. "Sometimes, I've just been too busy to be worried."

Because of his recent diagnosis, Chris' brother, Rick, traveled from North Carolina to assist him with the concerts throughout the summer. Rick said their whole family is extremely proud of Chris and his accomplishments bringing free, live music to North Idaho for so long.

"This is just one of many years that Chris is going to do this music. He loves it. He puts a lot of energy into it,” Rick said. "I think it’s wonderful that it’s family-based music, where you can bring everybody and anybody out, just like in the old days. He’s just continuing that tradition."

A benefit concert for Chris will be held in Coeur d'Alene City Park July 24. The show will feature the Kelly Hughes Band and Chris' albums will be available for purchase.

The Downtown Coeur d'Alene Concert Series in Sherman Square Park takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays: July 5, 12, 19, 26; and Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23.

The Coeur d'Alene City Park Concert Series takes place most Sundays from 1-4 p.m.: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; and Aug. 14, 28, Sept. 4 and Sept. 11.

The Hayden Concert Series will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. most Thursdays: June 30; July 7, 14, 28; and Aug. 4, 11 and 18.

Info: www.chrisguggemos.com or www.handshakeproductions.net