ONTARIO ─ For those looking for weekday fun, Marshall Park has an option available on Thursdays.
The annual Concert in the Park series will start on June 17 and keep going until late September, according to Ontario Youth Sports, which organizes the events.
The first concert featuring the band Six Miles to Nellie was moved to this Thursday due to last week’s rain.
Here is the lineup for the series and the type of music the players will feature:
June 17 Six Miles to Nellie ─ Americana
June 24 SOBOS – Classic Rock
July 8 The Return – Progressive Classic Rock
July 22 Red Ball Jets – Rock
Aug. 12 Sweet Beats – Beatles Tribute
Aug. 26 Departure – Journey Tribute
Sept. 9 Oolong Gurus – Country/Alternative
Sept. 23 Just Jazz Live – Jazz
OYS was only able to host one concert last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Kenn Spencer said he is excited the events are coming back with some renowned bands this year, including Sweet Beats, which has performed in Las Vegas and many other places in the country.
For the last concert featuring jazz music on Sept. 23, OYS is planning a wine and cheese soiree for the first time, according to Spencer. It will be more adult-oriented.
Ontario City Council voted for an amendment regarding regulations of city parks that allow alcohol sales and consumption at special events. Organizers have to get a temporary permit at the Ohio Liquor Control Division and permission from the city.
The concerts at Marshall Park started as pop-up events more than 10 years ago, Spencer said. It evolved over the years with more people started attending and the city began to bring in different bands.
Spencer said the concerts were the reason the city built the band shell. Every band that has played said the acoustics are great. OYU took over the series about five years ago, Spencer said, with a goal of growing the events.
The organization began finding community sponsors to support the program. Spencer said the number of concerts doubled from four to eight throughout the years. Food trucks were added later.
The director said he has seen many people return to the park. The series is a nice outdoor activity for families, couples or anyone who just wants to go there alone. He said the audience will have a lot of space and can keep social distance if they wish.
All the concerts start at 6 p.m. at Marshall Park’s band shell. Food trucks will be available. More information can be found on OYS’s Facebook page.
