For many years, residents of Osseo enjoyed concerts in Central Park on warm summertime Monday evenings. The sale of ice cream and iced lattes were offered to the audience by Curt Nelson’s business, Nickel Barn & Coffee Shop. Musicians and artists, however, were located only on makeshift stages. The concerts’ successes inspired some to think of creating a more permanent venue. Musicians Dr. Brad Garber, Sean Green and Brad Bethke along with friends Curt Nelson, Jim Cialdini, Nate Rongstad, Jeff Friedburg formed a Bandshell Committee. It was decided to honor Dr. Brad Garber for his home-town generosity by naming it after him. He modestly accepted this tribute and was interviewed by WEAU at the groundbreaking on Sept. 10, 2020.
Dr. Garber was a treasure in the community. He practiced family medicine in Osseo since 1962, improved rural emergency care, and helped establish a hospital. “Doc Garber” played percussion in orchestras, jazz bands and local musicals for many years. In addition, he was an accomplished athlete – he was a baseball player who was invited to join the minor leagues before deciding to go to medical school and was a fourth-degree black belt in the martial art Taekwondo and instructor in it. Sadly, Dr. Garber passed away on Jan. 2, 2021.
Julie Garber, wife of Dr. Garber, with grandson Colton Dahl (also a musician) joined the Bandshell Committee to form the Garber Music Foundation to oversee fundraising events, provide musical instruments for students in need, and help other outreach programs. The Garber family plans to continue its legacy of giving back.