Nature's great amphitheater

The great outdoors provides the best spots for summer concerts.
By HEATHER WALLACE
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
This summer it isn't the hills but rather the valleys that are alive with the sound of music.
At outdoor concerts all across both the Mahoning Valley in Ohio and the Shenango Valley in Pennsylvania the sounds of Motown, rock, jazz, big band, country, gospel, bluegrass and polka music are filling the breezy summer air. The young, as well as the young at heart, are coming out to soak up the sunshine while taking in the tunes at these outdoor events.
Outdoor ambiance
The atmosphere at these performances is markedly different from that of a typical concert. There are no bustling crowds, you won't be left with ringing ears at the end of the evening, and, best of all, admission for most of these concerts is totally free.
At these events every seat is a lawn seat, and concert-goers come toting lawn chairs, blankets and even chaise lounges, seeking out a prime spot. Some opt for a location near the stage, while others afford themselves the shade provided by trees.
"The atmosphere is very nice. You can hear [the music] wherever you sit," said Marianne Setterberg of Hermitage, Pa.
With such an eclectic mix of music, outdoor concerts are ideal for exposing children to something beyond the typical pop fare with which they are familiar. "I think it's great for kids," said Beverly Johnston, who lives within walking distance of the concerts held every Sunday at the Performing Arts Center in Buhl Farm Park in Hermitage, Pa.
Diana Boyle, from Sharon, Pa., brings her granddaughter, Indiana Underwood, with her to the outdoor concerts. "Indi," her grandmother says, especially likes to do somersaults along to the songs.
Any excuse to go
Attendees' reasons for coming to outdoor concerts are varied. Some love music so much that they make a habit of attending regardless of the performer.
"I love music, period," said Dorothy Drivere of Sharpsville, Pa.
Helen Cook of Hubbard said, "I just like music, and I come whenever I can. It doesn't really matter what type."
Some, like Michael Delliquadri of Hermitage, Pa., find the outdoor atmosphere to be just as big of a draw as the music.
This summer make a point to gather your family together, pack some lawn chairs and head out to one of the outdoor concerts in your area. With so many performers to choose from, finding something that your whole family will enjoy shouldn't be too difficult, and this truly unique experience is not to be missed.
It is, after all, only in a setting such as this that, when the band pauses between tunes, the birds answer back with a song of their own.