Summerfest starts tonight

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

For 15 years, the opening of Summerfest at Mill Creek MetroParks has let area residents know it’s time to get out and enjoy the music.

The annual concert series begins tonight with a performance by Soul’d OUT, an eight-piece Motown style band, at Judge Morley Pavilion in the Wick Recreation Area. The show starts at 7 p.m. and it, like the other 13 concerts in the series, is free.

The audience “can look forward to a Temptations tribute. You’ll have four people doing choreography up front and four in the band,” said Gerry Praizner, Soul’d OUT manager. “It won’t all be Temptations music, but they will do a few of those songs.”

Linda Kostka, MetroParks development and marketing director, said the concert series tries to offer a variety of musical styles.

“We try to book acts that appeal to a broad spectrum ... the older folks like the polkas and big bands, and we have some rock for people of that generation,” Kostka said.

On July 23, War will come to town. The band is know for its hits “Low Rider” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” But in addition to national groups, local acts also will be highlighted during Summerfest.

The Youngstown Area Community Concert Band will perform patriotic tunes next Wednesday, making its eighth appearance at the pavilion.

“It’s a great place to play and a great place to listen,” said Ed D’Angelo, trumpeter and publicity director for the band.

Although rain is in tonight’s forecast, concerts are only canceled if lightning is spotted nearby, Kostka said.

Audience members can bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the area, but alcohol and pets are prohibited, she added.

Funding for the concert comes mostly from sponsor 7UP, Kostka said.

“This is the official kick-off,” she said. “It’s summer now that the concerts have started.”