First Posted: 7/14/2014
Now in its fifth week, the Lakeside Concert Series at Hillside Park has become a summer staple in the Abingtons. This Wednesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. will feature The Wanabees, who played one of the most well-attended concerts of the series last summer.
Long-time veterans of the local music scene, band members Ron Pascoe, Mark Montella and Fran Festa joined together as a trio in 2007. They feature a wide repertoire of over 250 rock and pop songs, using their individual musical backgrounds to add a new twist to familiar classics.
“We are looking forward to doing the Hillside Park event. We feel it’s a great project for the community and it is also a great opportunity for live music on a weekly basis,” the band members said via email. “It’s also a very family friendly. (A) day out with all the fun, food and friends, you can shake a stick at. We just love seeing people having a good time and we are very lucky to be a part of it.”
State representatives Marty Flynn and Sid Michael Kavulich have sponsored this week’s concert.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Abington community’s Concert Series,”Rep. Kavulich said. “What a wonderful way to bring the community together for an evening of fun and good times. The setting is beautiful, the music is terrific, and it is a great showcase for the area.”
The Lakeside Concert Series, in its second year, is also a showcase for the 100-acre Hillside Park on Winola Rd. Formerly known as Abington Area Community Park, the dedication of area volunteers has brought beautiful amenities to the Abingtons. The handicapped- and stroller-accessible boardwalk, an art trail, the artificial turf field, dog park, community garden, boundless playground, fishing docks and pavilion have attracted people of all ages with a variety of interests to enjoy the beautiful summer in NEPA.
In addition to the regular host of activities and groups available at Hillside Park, the Abington Lions will be selling classic summer cookout food at this week’s concert.
The work of local artists will be on display, and canoes will also be available, weather dependent, for concert attendees to rent for a small fee to paddle on Lake Eston Wilson.
“It is important that we all do what we can to promote and support the arts,” Rep. Flynn said. “Exposure and immersion in the arts is incredibly important for the social development of our children and our community. I stand proudly in support of the Lakeside Concert Series at Hillside Park and hope that you will too.”
The Abington Lions are holding a 50-50 raffle, with a portion of the proceeds going to the AAJRB’s fundraising efforts.
There will also be a silent auction for a Chigrie [Japanese art of torn paper] of “Brook Trout”, donated by Joan Mead- Matsui, with proceeds going to help the continuity of the series.
Parking is free, however, due to the high turnout, people are encouraged to arrive early or carpool. Concergoers can bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on and enjoy the tunes.
For those who missed last week’s concert, a recording of the Jeffery James Band’s Hillside Park performance will be broadcast on Electric City TV. Hillside Park is located at 1188 Winola Rd. in South Abington