Enjoy live music in downtown McGregor every Saturday afternoon in September with the Perched in the Ports Music Series.

Performers will play from 1 to 5 p.m. each Saturday from the balcony above the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce office at 146 Main St.

Perched in the Ports—which also pays homage to the large wooden crows currently “perched” around the community—is a collaboration between McGregor’s Creative Places Initiative, the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce and the Alexander McGregor Endowment. Support is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

McGregor Economic Development Director Brandi Crozier said it’s a continuation of the Creative Places Initiative’s efforts to test drive activities and spaces in McGregor.

“We’re test driving some underutilized spaces, and McGregor has some cool balconies,” she said. “And busking or music in downtown McGregor isn’t uncommon, but we don’t have an abundance of it, so this is also test driving it.”

Crozier described Perched in the Ports as largely “vibe setting.” People can enjoy the music while visiting shops, restaurants and taverns or simply strolling through downtown. They are also welcome to sit and listen for longer periods.

“We’ll have benches at Triangle Park and will supplement that with other strategically placed seating,” she said.

The Whistle Pigs and Friends, led by McGregor native Christina Dollhausen, will open the music series with energetic acoustic music featuring covers and originals on Sept. 5. Listen to guitar, mandolin, stand up bass and vocal harmonies.

Crozier believes it “will be a fabulous complement” to the Driftless Realm Renaissance Festival occurring in downtown McGregor that day as well as on Sept. 6.

On Sept. 12, enjoy McGregor-based singer-songwriter Doubting Thomas, whose solo acoustic performances feature a thoughtful mix of classic rock, folk, easy listening and originals.

Dylan Harris will perform from the balcony Sept. 19. A long-time singer and guitar player, Harris shows the power of music and true love for what he does.

Prairie du Chien’s Amanda Fahey will close out Perched in the Ports on Sept. 26. Her music will feature Americana, folk and blues, as well as some originals.

Crozier and other organizers hope the Perched in the Ports Music Series is received well. It could lead to more musical opportunities.

“We’ll collect data and see where it goes from there,” Crozier said.