WARREN Music to accompany Riverwalk opening

The event will be free and open to the public.
By DENISE DICK
and PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Jazz, ethnic music and even an Elvis impersonator are coming to the city's Riverwalk amphitheater.
"We're looking tentatively at July 18 for the opening," said Michael D. Keys, the city's community development director.
"We're planning an evening of entertainment," Keys said. More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks, he said.
"It should be wonderful," said Pat Padula, who is helping the city organize the event. "I will have several bands there, a string quartet, the Packard Band and a Greek band. There will be something for everyone."
Padula, a city resident, said he was asked to help with the official opening of the amphitheater because he has been in the entertainment business for 30 years.
"This is something that is really great for the city," said Police Chief John Mandopoulos. "I hope we get a big turnout." Police bike patrols will be assigned to the event, the chief said.
Theater seating is carved into a hill. There are water and electric hookups for vendors. A wide concrete promenade was also created.
The city must decide who will run and maintain the facility.
Options include the city taking care of it, a nonprofit board leasing it, or a for-profit company running it.
Larger project
The amphitheater is part of a larger project the city hopes to complete.
Next on the slate, if funding allows, is exterior restoration of the Kinsman House.
The Mahoning Avenue house was built in 1834 by Fredrick Kinsman as part of the Simon Perkins Family Farm.
Other work the city hopes to get funded through state or federal grants or donations includes construction of a shell for the stage, a picnic pavilion and expansion of restrooms to provide handicap access.
The longer-term goal is to continue the Riverwalk path through Packard Park so it extends along the river from the city's northern to southern boundaries.
denise.dick@vindy.com
sinkovich@vindy.com