MANSFIELD — The Music in the Parks program returns this summer, but at a new venue for the Mansfield performances.
Mark Maxwell, secretary/treasurer for the American Federation of Musicians Local 159, is excited to announce that the new South Park pavilion, located on Brinkerhoff Avenue, will serve as the site for the Mansfield Music in the Parks shows.
The Music in the Parks program, organized by AFM Local 159, features several concerts from June to August at various venues in the area.
The program has been around for over 40 years, with concerts originally held at Central Park, Maxwell said.
Mark Abrams, Mansfield parks department manager, said the parks department is excited to have this caliber of program held at South Park.
Maxwell is also excited about the new location.
“This will allow us to bring some mobile food vendors to the shows,” he said. “We’ll have local food trucks offering a variety of food options, from Altered Eats, to hot dog vendors and everything in between.”
The first Mansfield show will be July 1 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Simple Fire food truck will offer wood-fired pizzas for purchase starting at 5 p.m.
Each concert is unique, with a performance by one of approximately six different musical groups that participate in the concert series. The bands range from a 60-piece concert band to a small pop/rock group “that will make any Generation Xer or baby boomer feel right at home,” Maxwell said.
The musicians are professionals, many of whom make a significant portion of their living by playing professionally, Maxwell said. Some of the musicians are locals, while others come from the Akron and Cleveland area, he said.
“We have a lot of really talented people, so there’s no doubt you’re going to get a quality performance,” he said.
Thanks to grants and donations provided by local organizations and individuals, the concerts are offered at no charge to the public.
“That’s one of the beauties of it,” Maxwell said. “You can’t beat free.”
To learn more about the Music in the Parks program, visit the AFM Local 159 website or Facebook page. Upcoming concerts are also listed on the Richland Source local events calendar.
“It’s not only high a quality adult event, but it’s a great family event as well, and you’re guaranteed a good time,” Maxwell said. “Somebody will find something in the music they’re going to love and we hope they’re there to hear it.”
