There are many sweet sounds associated with summertime – ice tinkling in a glass of cold tea; children laughing in playgrounds; waves breaking on a sandy beach. The sounds of a Honesdale summer may not include surf, but they do include many kinds of music – thanks to the Summer Festival of Park Events!
This year’s season, presented by the Wayne County Creative Arts Council (WCCAC) in Honesdale’s Central Park, begins Monday, June 10, with the traditional good-time harmonies of the Northeasters Barbershop Chorus, presenting a program called “How the West Was Sung.”
On Thursday, June 13 the JP Williams Blues Band will make their WCCAC debut, bringing the sound of Chicago & Delta-style blues to the Fasshauer Stage. The Barn Cats continue the blues and Americana themes when they appear on Monday, June 17, and then the Irish Balladeers return on Thursday, June 20 with an evening of heartfelt and historical Celtic ballads. The ever-popular Wayne Choralaires present their newest concert program on Monday, June 24, and rock’n’roll family band The Pharm perform on Thursday, June 27.
The 2019 Independence Day celebration happens on Monday, July 1, beginning at 6:30 with the Doug Smith Band, followed by the Crystal Band from Scranton at 8 PM, playing your favorite marches and patriotic tunes. The annual fireworks display, sponsored by the Greater Honesdale Partnership, will begin around 9:30. There will also be vendors, food, and children’s activities. (Note: There will be no concert on Thursday, July 4.)
The following week brings some new arrivals to Central Park. Vocalist extraordinaire Ekat brings some of her musician friends to the stage on Monday July 8 for an evening of popular songs. Local jazz supergroup Lone Duck will be the entree on Thursday, July 11, featuring bassist Bob Wilson, saxophonist Rowan Lynch and others.
Retro rockers Flashback return on Monday, July 15, and perennial polka favorites Stanky and the Cadets will “roll out the barrel” on Thursday, July 18. Doo-wop masters the New Paramounts revive the spirit of the 50’s and 60’s on Monday, July 22.
As the series winds up, we’ll have a hoedown with the assembled talents of the Old Time Fiddlers on Thursday, July 25, and for our finale this year on Monday, July 29, Owen Walsh of Dead Tracks will share the stage with Woodstock alum Bob Tellefsen.
All concerts (other than the Independence Day celebration) will begin at 7:30. In case of inclement weather, concerts may be moved to the Cooperage, the Grace Episcopal parish hall, or the Central United Methodist church.
There is no admission charge to the summer festival events, but free-will donations are gratefully accepted. Refreshments, including pizza, hot dogs, and snacks, will be available for purchase, but attendees can also bring their own food. (No alcohol or smoking, please.) Bring a blanket or chair for seating. For more information, contact project manager Mitzi Kielar at 570-785-3674, or find WCCAC online via Facebook or at www.honesdaleparkevents.org.