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Louise Kowalski, 56, has played her teal-blue accordion for three years. When she gets the funky instrument wailing, couples will sometimes get up to waltz, children bop to the beat, and one man even broke into polka.

“It’s spontaneous,” Kowalski said. “I just love to see people happy when they hear the accordion.”

Kowalski is one of eight performers that has played at Pioneer Park this summer as part of the Totally Impromptu Performance Series, or TIPS, coordinated by the Fairbanks Art Association and sponsored by the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

“It’s a really casual, comfortable, fun atmosphere,” she said, “for Fairbanks visitors who come to the park and get that little extra treat.”

The concert series, in its first season, goes from Memorial Day to Labor day and includes free music at the park’s four stages from noon until 8 pm, seven days a week.

“We have a huge amount of availability for performers,” said Melissa Hougland, Associate Director of the Fairbanks Arts Association.

The program offers one-hour time slots on a first-come, first-served basis, free registration, the chance to earn tips and great exposure in front of a live audience, Hougland said.

“On a nice summer day you can get a few thousand people through the park,” she said. “Visitors this year have been higher than any other year.”

The concert series is a brainchild of Fairbanks Arts Association director June Rogers and former Pioneer Park manager Mike Cox, who strolled through the park one day last fall brainstorming ways to enhance park visitation, Hougland said.

A wide variety of entertainers have already signed, from accordion music to solo singers, acoustic folk, roots guitar, folk storytelling and even a juggling clown act. Acoustic performers are especially encouraged as no tech is provided.

“There’s something for everybody,” Hougland said.

Visitors can enjoy the local tunes while exploring the museums and merchants at Pioneer Park, an excuse for families to hang out in Fairbanks for an afternoon rather than breeze through.

“It’s not smoky like a bar. There’s no car traffic,” Kowalski said. “It’s a beautiful setting and it’s relaxed.”

The abundant smiles, chance to play and socialize with listeners, and $5.50 she earned in tips Sunday makes it worthwhile, she said.

As many performers only sign up one or two-days ahead, there is currently no concert schedule. For more information, call 456-6485.