EDITORIAL: Michael Koep hitting all the right notes

Michael Koep’s faith in music seems to have been justified based on what we saw Wednesday evening. 

Let's return the favor.

Because what we and others witnessed at McEuen Park was nothing short of a magical gathering of more than 2,000 people to watch musicians in the second of Koep’s free concert series, “Music at McEuen.” 

It was exactly what one might hope for: lake and trees in the background, a grass field, the sun casting a warm glow and, of course, beautiful music by Paper Flowers. People were standing, dancing, clapping, listening and just enjoying the picture-perfect setting. 

It was the kind of happening you would travel hundreds, thousands of miles to attend. Many did. That it is in our backyard makes it even more special.

It wasn’t a certainty it would even happen. 

Earlier this year, when Koep’s proposal was presented to the Coeur d’Alene City Council, some expressed concerns it might not be financially feasible, and he might end up in the red. After all, the concert promoter of Wednesday concerts at McEuen Park for previous years charged an admission fee and ended up owing a lot of money to a lot of people. How, it was asked, could Koep keep a positive cash flow by providing free concerts? 

Consider he had to pay the city. He had to pay the musicians. He had to pay many other expenses associated with such an event. Yet, Koep, of Koep Concerts, was confident not just in his abilities, but in the support of the community, and was given the green light. 

So far, he’s proven right. 

Koep, also the drummer for The Rub, deserves credit for taking a gamble that he could make a free concert series work. He already puts them on at Coeur d'Alene City Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays and the Hayden Summer Concert Series is at McIntire Family Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. 

McEuen, though, is a different beast. A larger, more expensive venue. A bigger gamble, if you will. Yet, through sponsorships, vendor fees and donations of concert goers, Koep seems to be hitting the right notes and early response has been strong. We expect it will continue.

It’s people like Michael Koep, with vision and drive, that make North Idaho a great place to call home. And there is no doubt Music at McEuen is a wonderful addition to our already spectacular summers. 

So don’t miss out. Attend one of the free Koep Concerts. Toss in some cash to help Michael keep the music flowing. It's not just a great sound, but a great sight.