A Clarkston tradition continues Friday, June 20 when Concerts in the Park begins another summer.
This is the 24th year the concerts have been taking place in Clarkston and the 15th year being sponsored by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
‘Before we came along the downtown business association took this on. Basically it was Joan and Buck Kopietz who kept this going because the people wanted it,? Chamber Secretary Penny Shanks said.
The concerts take place in Depot Park and usually average around 800-900 individuals. Non-profit groups sell concessions at the concerts which begin at 7 p.m.
‘The first concert is usually the smallest crowd because people don’t know about it. But after that we can get up to 1,200 people at some of the shows. There is a real tradition to it,? Shanks said.
The summer schedule for the concerts includes:
? Kearsley Creek on June 20. The six member band plays bluegrass and pop country.
? Ceyx on June 27. The group plays a mixture of hits from the 1950’s to 90’s. Since 1971, Ceyx (pronounced cease) has performed more than 2,000 events, entertaining thousands with their authentic renditions of the most recognized songs of all time. They utilize four keyboards, drums, saxophone, guitar and three vocalists.
? Rich Eddy Band on July 4. This classic rock and pop hits band is a polished and exciting high-energy duo, using advanced musical technology to produce instrumental sound of a much larger group.
? Guy Louis & Chautauqua Express on July 11. A fantastic family event. As a specialist with stringed instruments such as the mandolin and many different guitars, Guy’s shows are highly entertaining and very interactive. Throughout the performance there will be audience members coming up on stage in every direction.
? The Delivery Boys on July 18. The Delivery Boys is a five-man band that plays a wide assortment of acoustic music, including bluegrass, Celtic, old time fiddle dance tunes, folk as well as original songs. Their instrumentation includes banjo, six and 12 string guitars, fiddle, mandolin, viola, Irish bouzouki, bass guitar, harmonica, tin whistle, concertina, button accordion, cuatro and assorted kitchen implements.
? Trilogy on July 25. Trilogy plays music from a variety of musical eras and styles including great hits of the 1950s to 90s.
The Chamber spends all year planning and looking for bands to perform. They solidify their schedule by February and make sure they have diverse music throughout the summer.
‘Although the little kids dance in front of the gazebo no matter what music is being played. Seeing them dance out there is so Clarkston. I guess you have to be under 4-years-old to be able to dance like nobody is watching you,? Shanks said. ‘There is definitely a real following at the concerts and we get great sponsorship support. This is the event we get the most personal contributions for because people want the concerts to continue. They really appreciate it.?