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Producers Jap Robinson and Jeff Green plan for a 24th season in 2018
YOUNGSTOWN
The 10th and final session of the 2017 Jazz in the Park Summer Series at B&O Station Park on Sunday capped what organizers say was one of the best seasons in the 23-year history of the event.
“It is the longest continuous jazz event in Youngstown, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to keep it going,” said Jap Robinson, who along with Jeff Green, puts on the jazz series.
“We had some of the biggest crowds ever, between 400 and 500 each week” at what Robinson described as a “multicultural, family-friendly event.”
Grandmothers and parents come to enjoy the music and bring their children along to play, said Robinson.
“We’ve never had any problems ever. We encourage people to bring their children and expose them to music besides negative rap,” he said.
“It gives us something to do on Sunday afternoons before we have to go back to work on Monday,” said Bea Baker of Youngstown, who is a regular patron along with several friends.
“I think it’s a wonderful place to socialize with people you may not have seen for years. It is a family-oriented nice crowd, and there are never any problems. And, you don’t have to worry about money. It’s free,” Baker said.
“I’ve been coming to these events, which started in Lincoln Park, for over 20 years,” said Carnell Williams, one of Baker’s table mates.
“I’m a jazz fan, and I love coming down here. You can bring your own food, everybody is friendly, and B&O Station is a beautiful park,” Williams said.
The 2017 Jazz in the Park Summer Series brought in groups from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and East Liverpool, and Sunday’s crowd was entertained by This Is Us, featuring Arielle Green, Jeff Green’s daughter.
The Jazz in the Park Summer Series is presented by Jazz in the Park Youngstown Inc., in cooperation with the Trumbull County Arts Council, the Youngstown City Parks Department, Youngstown City Council, Federal Plaza director and the support of local sponsors.
Green and Robinson are seeking additional sponsors.
All sponsors are recognized weekly at all Jazz in the Park Summer Series events, and may distribute literature, advertisement and information with instruction. Sponsorships of $750 or more will be featured on the Jazz in the Park Summer Series banner. The Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County is acting as fiscal agent, allowing for tax-deductible donations.
Donors may make checks payable and mail to Jazz in the Park Youngstown/IN FACT, P.O. Box 11253, Youngstown, OH 44511, Attn: Jeff Green or Al Robinson.