Coon Rapids is gearing up to serenade its residents with the soothing strumming and soulful singing of its Winter Concert Series, an annual tradition with a loyal following. While the frosty chill lingers outside, inside the Coon Rapids Civic Center, the atmosphere will be anything but cold as tunes and warmth take center stage. The series, despite having been truncated this year from its usual four to a tight-knit three concerts, still promises to deliver a jolt of energy and entertainment to chase away the winter blues.

Starting off on February 8, with The Floras bringing their blend of country and gospel to the mic, it's a line-up that looks to seamlessly mix nostalgia with foot-taping melodies. Following suit, the Riverside Rockets are ready to rocket you right back to the Fifties on March 14; expect poodle skirts to twirl and dancing shoes to be put through paces. To close the series, Kenny and Friends, on April 11, will take the stage with their country vibe sure to pull at heartstrings. It's music with a serving of dessert and coffee, while the clock hits 7 p.m. and tunes start to fill the room; each concert a vignette of rhythms and beats.

As per the announcement on the city's website, "All concerts begin at 7 p.m. in the Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Drive. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. The price includes dessert and coffee."

This series isn't just pulled together by a love for music; it is organized by the Coon Rapids Arts Commission, whose efforts continue to spotlight local talent and foster a community around cultural activities. To delve deeper, or to get acquainted with the bands before the concerts, one can visit the Coon Rapids' official website, which houses profiles for these acts just waiting to hit the stage and, quite probably, to firmly lodge some tunes in your head.