SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — The Brass and Ivory Orchestra with Chris DiMattio will perform next in the Lakeside Wednesday Concerts series at 6 p.m. Aug. 10, following a show by Music For Models at 6 p.m. Aug. 3. The concerts are presented by the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board (AAJRB) at Hillside Park, rain or shine.

Admission to the the 11-week family-friendly series, held each week through Aug. 31, is free, thanks to volunteer management and sponsorship from local media organizations and businesses. A variety of genres is scheduled for the 11-week family-friendly series unfolding throughout the summer – from indie to jazz and classics through the decades. It opened on June 22 with The Exact Change band, followed by the Luongo Brothers band on June 29, the Coal Town Rounders on July 6, the Doug Smith Band on July 13, the Village Idiots on July 20, The Von Storch Quintet featuring Bill Carter on July 27.

Ken McGraw and Jon Searfoss lead the Brass and Ivory Orchestra, which has been together for 35 years and played for weddings all along the East Coast. The orchestra also performed at the Governor’s Ball for the late Robert Casey. It is a regular at Scranton’s Italian Festival, backing up such shows as The Dean Martin Impersonator Show, The Billy Joel Review, and the Sinatra Show with Chris DiMattio.

McGraw, a Clarks Green resident, is an accomplished pianist who performs at many social functions throughout the year. He is also a teacher in the Scranton School District and the Musical Director for the Wilkes University Theater’s Musical Productions.

The park, located on State Route 307 (Winola Road), adjacent to both Clarks Summit State Hospital and the Abington Senior Center, is handicapped-welcoming. Concert-goers should bring a picnic blanket or chair and are invited to stop by early to explore the walking trails and other park amenities. Attendees can bring a canned good donation for the Dalton Food Pantry and enjoy canoeing on the lake.

Although tailgating and picnicking is welcome, food will also be available for purchase from concert vendors.

For more information, follow Hillside Park on Facebook or visit hillsidepark.net.

The Brass and Ivory Orchestra with Chris DiMattio will perform from 6 p.m. to dusk Aug. 10 at Hillside Park.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_ABJ-Orchestra.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Brass and Ivory Orchestra with Chris DiMattio will perform from 6 p.m. to dusk Aug. 10 at Hillside Park. Submitted photo

For Abington Journal

Concert schedule

All shows are held from 6 p.m. to dusk, rain or shine, at the pavilion at Hillside Park on Winola Road, South Abington Township. Canoeing and food is available. Admission is free and canned good donations will be collected for the Dalton Food Pantry.

Aug. 3: Music For Models

Aug. 10: Brass and Ivory Orchestra with Chris DiMattio

Aug. 17: Senator John Blake and Lightweight

Aug. 24: Rogue Chimp

Aug. 31: Sassafrass

Information provided by the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board.