This week’s Arts in the Park concerts will feature the venerable LaPorte City Band on Wednesday evening, June 26, and singer/songwriter Laura Whidden on Thursday evening, June 27.
Both free concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. The park turns 100 years old this week!
LaPorte City Band
Besides Wednesday’s concert, the LaPorte City Band is busy preparing for upcoming special events. The first will be June 29 as the band takes part in the 100th anniversary celebration for Fox Park with a concert to start at 4:30 p.m. The second event is the 4th of July Eve Concert on July 3 starting at 7 p.m. Both are free at the Smith amphitheater. The July 3 concert will feature patriotic favorites, an appearance by LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo, special guest conductor Mickey Stisher, and a brief appearance by the LaPorte High School Marching Band!
Selections for the June 26 concert are: “Here Comes The Band,” George Willcock; “First Suite in Eb,” Gustav Holst; “Promenade in Swingtime,” Bill Holcomb; “New York 1927,” Warren Barker; “Liberty Bell,” John Philip Sousa; “Four Episodes for Band,” John Morrissey; “Blue Tango,” Leroy Anderson; Highlights from “The Music Man,” Meredith Willson; “Bandology,” Eric Osterling.
Laura Whidden
Laura Whidden
Laura Whidden is new to the Arts in the Park venue. The songs she writes and performs are designed to touch lives through the personal stories they tell. Her lyrics are both inspirational and spiritual. Trained in public speaking, she often shares the personal stories behind her songs.
Whidden’s vocals are coupled with simple piano and guitar arrangements. Her soulful songs are styled in the manner of Sarah McLaughlin and Ella Fitzgerald.
She has performed at church concerts, cafés and coffee shops as well as retreats for both women and youth where Whidden holds one-on-one personal counseling sessions for young girls.
Other Arts in the Park features
Patrick Watterson will be the pre-concert entertainment both Wednesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6:30. Dorothy Konieczny will display her art and Mary Allen, LaPorte County Poet Laureate 2010, will read some of her inspirational poetry.
Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. Picnics are welcome, and Tri Kappa Associates will also be selling popcorn, pop, water and cookies. Proceeds contribute to future concerts.
If you would like to sponsor Arts in the Park, call 363-9317 or visit artsintheparklaporte@yahoo.com.