Paul Schock of Scott City said he's been hearing stories of a time when the people had a greater sense of community.

He's heard how dance parties in the parking lots of Baker's Grocery and the old hardware store on Second Street brought the town to life during the summer months, and how people who were there miss that now.

Schock, owner of Schock's Pub in Scott City, wants to bring that feeling back, and has been working on a plan to create a new outdoor auditorium next year in the Scott City Park, with help from the city's park board, local musicians and the Scott City Kiwanis Club.

Fundraising for building the first phase of the auditorium, a new stage, will kick off in the city park at noon Saturday with Music Fest '09. The festival is a first-time event for the community, featuring a day of concerts by local musicians.

Schock said the event would try to raise enough money so construction of the auditorium stage could begin in the spring.

"We want to build a small auditorium that can be built onto later, and turned into a larger outdoor concert hall," Shock said.

In the future, he said he wants to see the proposed auditorium become a venue for local and touring performers in music and theater, as well as a place to show films.

"People could see plays, concerts, movies," he said. "What better thing can you have than bringing the community together while you enjoy the arts, and enjoy the company of each other?"

He said he has spoken with many residents of Scott City and has found they feel a need to focus more on youth and family.

"There's a lot of people in Scott City and in Cape Girardeau who say there is nothing for families and kids to do. I think this would help a lot with that, especially in the summer," he said.

More fundraisers will be needed to raise the money to start the project.

"If this one goes over well we may try to do another in August," he said.

Schock said he is also willing to hold fundraisers at his pub during the winter to help pay for the auditorium.

The music festival will feature seven bands playing on the park's existing stage. Concessions will be run by the Kiwanis Club, with Schock's providing beer for the event. Park board president Phyllis Crump said volunteers would be on hand to help manage the event. Those attending should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

A variety of music will be heard throughout the day, including heavy metal, classic rock, country and folk.

Schock said several of the bands have performed in the past at his pub.

An open jam session with the bands will be at Schock's after the festival ends at 9 p.m.

eeaston@semissourian.com

388-3646

Want to go?

What: Music Fest '09

When: Gates open at noon Saturday

Where: Scott City Park

Performance schedule:

* 12:30 Opening stage show with guest

* 1:30 What They Call Sanity

* 2:30 Richard's Nixon

* 3:15 Bob Camp and the Chimes of Freedom

* 4:15 Doc Rock It with Anthony Walker and Steve Hardesey

* 5:15 Wesley Gray Band

* 6:15 Final Issue

* 7:15 Bone Kings

Schock's Pub

116 E. Hickory

Scott City, Mo.

Pertinent address:

116 E. Hickory St., Scott City, Mo.