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Peg Hirvonen Band Shell, Stories

A New Stage: Help Us Build the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell

For nearly 90 years, the band shell at Presque Isle has united the community through music and nature. Now, the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell will carry this legacy forward with a modern, accessible design. Help us bring this vision to life—join the effort today!

Nov 25, 2024/

Amelia Pruiett /

For nearly 90 years, the band shell at Presque Isle Park has been the heart of Marquette’s music and cultural events. This historic venue has brought generations together, hosting performances that resonate in harmony with the natural beauty of the park.

Today, we’re excited to share the next chapter in this story: the Peg Hirvonen Band Shell. Guided by community feedback and designed by AWH Architects, this new band shell honors the original structure while embracing modern functionality and accessibility. Construction is planned for Summer 2025, and with your help, we can make this vision a reality.

A Legacy Reimagined

The original band shell, built in the 1930s, has served Marquette for decades but is no longer safe or practical. The Peg Hirvonen Band Shell will carry forward the legacy of summer performances with:

Accessible and functional design for performers and audiences alike.
Tiered staging and storage solutions to accommodate larger performing groups.
A timeless aesthetic that integrates with the park’s natural beauty.

Help Us Reach the Finish Line

Thanks to the leadership of the Marquette City Band and the generosity of the Ray and Peg Hirvonen Foundation and other donors, we’ve already raised over half of the $2.1 million needed. Now, we’re inviting individuals and businesses to join this effort to build a lasting legacy for Marquette.

Your contribution will support:

Construction costs for the new band shell.
An endowment fund for future maintenance, ensuring this venue serves the community for years to come.

Be Part of the Legacy

The Peg Hirvonen Band Shell represents more than just a performance space—it’s a testament to Marquette’s creative community spirit and love for the arts. Together, we can keep the music alive at Presque Isle Park for future generations.