Mike Kellems photo (click to enlarge)
Looks like it’ll be plenty warm for Week 2 of this summer’s Arts in the Park concerts at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. This week’s free music will feature the perennial LaPorte City Band on Wednesday evening, June 10, and a bevy of Hoosier Star finalists on Thursday evening, June 11.
Both concerts begin at 7 p.m., but come an hour early to hear local poets and pre-concert music. LaPorte County Poet Laureate Emeritus Julie Kessler will be featured Wednesday and former LaPorte Mayor Leigh Morris will recite works on Thursday.
LaPorte City Band member spotlight
Among the band’s musicians is Regina Dure Smelser, a clarinetist and the official announcer for the band. Regina comes from a musical family: Her father, Robert Dure, is a classical tenor who has performed in New York opera with Beverly Sills and others. Her mother, Rosemary Dure, often provides music throughout the community. Her mother was her first clarinet teacher. Regina has been with the band for over 18 years.
Thursday’s concert: Hoosier Star finalists
Eight Hoosier Star finalists will share their talents: Evan Wooding, 2006, LaPorte; Carter Perry, 2007, LaPorte; Grace Tarnow, 2010 and 2012, Mill Creek; Shania Povlock, 2013, LaPorte; Marco Bulson, 2014, Valparaiso; Suzi Carpenter, 2006 and 2011, Wanatah; Rick Barnes, 2007, 2010 and 2012, LaPorte; and Roscoe Hoffman, 2007, Michigan City.
Come early to grab a bench seat or bring your blanket and/or lawn chairs. Artwork will also be on display and refreshments will be available for sale. For more information on Arts in the Park, visit http://www.artsintheparklaporte.com.