Chris & Chris closed the 2025 Concerts in the Park at German Park with hits like “Jolene” and “Heart of Gold.” Concerts return June 2026.

NEW ULM — The 2025 Concerts in the Park series concluded Thursday evening with a performance by Chris Ames and Chris Steffen of Sleepy Eye, known as Chris & Chris.

The duo, who have performed together since 2012, closed the summer season with a setlist that included both classic country and popular songs.

The summer concert series began June 5 with the Concord Singers and continued through August at German Park. The series is organized by New Ulm Park & Recreation in partnership with KNUJ Radio. Each week also included activities such as the Puppet Wagon and Park & Rec on the Go, along with local food vendors.

On July 31, the concerts coincided with New Ulm Night Out, featuring music by the Schells Hobo Band, which brought local law enforcement, the fire department and community organizations to the park for an evening focused on public safety and community connection.

Chris & Chris began their performance with Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” followed by Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” Their setlist also included Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” with Ames playing both harmonica and guitar, as well as Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange,” sung by Steffen. Additional selections included Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly’ and Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.’

The performance marked the final event of the 2025 season and continued the duo’s record of appearances at community events across southern Minnesota.

Thursday’s concert drew a steady crowd of residents and visitors who brought lawn chairs and blankets to the park. Audience members spread out across the amphitheater area to enjoy the music in a relaxed setting.

Concerts in the Park remain free to the public through the support of New Ulm Park & Recreation and KNUJ, along with contributions from local businesses and volunteers.

With the 2025 season complete, planning will begin for next summer’s series. Concerts in the Park are scheduled to return in June 2026 at German Park.