By Staff
The Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series opens its performance season in downtown Dowagiac this Thursday, June 5, as another summer of enjoyable vocal and instrumental entertainment is brought to The Grand Old City.
Grant monies from the St. Denys Foundation of Dowagiac and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs have combined to make the event possible.
A hometown favorite, reminiscent of the municipal bands that once played across the country, the Round Oak Cornet Band, under the direction of Jonathan Korzun, is the featured artist of the June 5 opening performance.
Phillipson said the Thursday evening concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Haggin-Wimberley Bandstand in Beckwith Park, located in downtown Dowagiac, adjacent to 1st Source Bank and Round Oak Restaurant.
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating.
In the tradition of the music performed by 19th Century municipal or factory-sponsored bands, the 10-member Round Oak Cornet Band derives its name from the Round Oak Band that once performed under the direction of the late Billy Schuchert, who was said to be one of the finest solo clarinetists in the country.
Phillipson said an inscribed brick honors Schuchert and is among approximately 3,500 personalized bricks that encircle the park's bandstand, where the weekly performances are held.
The 12-week concert series also features: Lake Effect Winds, June 12; Southwestern Michigan College Community Choir, June 19; Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, June 26; 4th Avenue and an ice cream social, July 3; The Borris Hilliker Connection, July 10; Moment's Notice Barbershop Quartet, July 17; Battle Creek Pops Ensemble and Old Moonlighters, July 24; Kalamazoo Bag Pipe Band and Sophisticated Swing on a special performance night, Friday, July 25; North American Brass Co., July 31; Renaissance String Quartet, Aug. 7; Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble, Aug. 14; Tuxedo Junction, Aug. 21; and a scheduled rain date, Aug. 28.
To receive a concert schedule, call the Chamber of Commerce at 782-8212.