Summer concert series returning to Palmer Park in Donora
The Music in the Park series at Palmer Park in Donora was in jeopardy of ending last year before the Monongahela-Donora Lions Club stepped up and took over planning the series of summer concerts.
Donora Councilman Gilbert Szakal approached the Lions Club for help in keeping the concert series going.
“If the Lions didn’t take it over, the concerts would have ended,” Szakal said. “And last year turned out to be the best turnout so far.”
This year, the service club is again keeping the music going.
This will be the fourth year for the Music in the Park Free Summer Concert Series, held in the Damon Garde Outdoor Stage at Palmer Park in Donora.
The concerts are held every other Sunday, beginning June 11 and running through Aug. 20. All concerts are held 5-7 p.m.
“We are behind keeping the music in the park alive,” said Carl Jackson, president of Monongahela-Donora Lions Club.
“It gives not only young people but people of all ages something to do on a Sunday afternoon. This is something positive going on. It’s up to the residents of the valley to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The concerts were very well attended last year, Jackson noted.
“It’s a great opportunity to listen to good music, meet up with old friends and just relax and have fun,” Jackson said.
Jackson said Tri-County Federation of Musicians Local 592 organizes the groups, and the Lions Club facilitates the concerts.
The concerts are secured in large part through contributions from Monongahela Valley Hospital and Washington County Tourism.
Contributions are still being accepted and can be sent to: Monongahela/Donora Area Lions Club, P.O. Box 860, Monongahela, PA 15063, and marked “concert series.”
“It’s great for the community and keeps the park alive on the weekends,” Szakal said. “It showcases Donora and brings people into the town.”
This year, the Donora Fire Department will be selling concessions, and proceeds will benefit the fire department.
The Lions Club does it as a service project for the community, Jackson said.
“It’s always a great opportunity to serve your local community,” said Jackson, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Monessen and operator of the House of Jackson in Donora.
“You have to learn how to give back to the community. In order for us to remain a vibrant community, its everyone’s job to give back.”
And the concerts provide a great community outing, Jackson said.
“They provide family recreation, a chance to sit down and hear some good music and have a good time,” Jackson said.
The concert schedule is:
June 11 — The Townsmen Plus One
June 25 — Pittsburgh Big Band Legends
July 9 — Andy Gregg Country Combo
July 23 — Wally Gingers Orchestra
Aug. 6 — Perry’s Union
Aug. 20 — The Sky-Maestros