Forte satisfies tastes for music, food, fun

The celebration kicked off the Summer Festival of the Arts.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Live music, cloth-covered tables and catered meals are not the usual setting for the field at Youngstown State University, but that's what people enjoyed Friday evening.
For the 11th consecutive year, a stage was placed center field in the stadium and several thousand people were treated to live music, food and fireworks during the annual Forte on the Fifty event.
This year's show started with patriotic music from the Dana School of Music All Stars, an orchestra consisting of YSU students, faculty and alumni. The Dana All Stars also performed musical selections from stage and screen.
Spectators also were entertained by the Hern Brothers. Band member Rick Hern said the band has been performing for 26 years and was happy to be in front of the hometown audience.
"This is our hometown. It is nice to have a venue of this size right in your hometown," he said.
Pam Palumbo, YSU's director of event management, said the event was expected to draw a crowd of about 4,500. She said a lot of YSU loge holders purchase tables, most of them catered, on the field closer to the stage to enjoy the show. Most people, however, simply take to the stands along the 50 yard line to see the show.
Returners and first-timers
Palumbo said Forte on the Fifty has become a tradition for many.
"We get the same people returning every year, so it must be such a great evening for the entire family. The excitement here just builds through the night," she said.
Bob Krause of Liberty has been coming to the event every year since it started. Each year he takes his seat at the table reserved for Ricciuti, Balog and Partners and enjoys the company of people he does not often see.
"I enjoy the dinner, fireworks and companionship. Sometimes I only see certain people at this event," he said. "We come with the same group every year, and we all just enjoy the program. It's just a really good program."
Robert and Justeen Hammett of Youngstown have been coming to the event for the last three years with their 10-year-old son Craig and 12-year-old daughter Ashley. Robert Hammett and his daughter are both musicians who enjoy watching the bands.
"This is kind of a tradition now," he said. "It's a good nice family event, just a good time."
Some were attending for the first time, but said it would not be the last.
Bill and Maggie Tomory of Canfield said Friday's Forte on the Fifty was a first for them, but the music and food would likely bring them out again next year.
"I am loving this. Beautiful night, good people, good food and a great band," he said.
Those attending the event, according to Palumbo, will have more to look forward to over the course of the weekend. Forte on the Fifty this year is also considered the kickoff to the Summer Festival of the Arts on the YSU campus. That event will be 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. today and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Proceeds from the Forte on the Fifty go to athletic scholarships and the Dana School of Music.
jgoodwin@vindy.com