Start off the holiday weekend with Berks County’s popular “Ringgold Band” for an entertaining and patriotic concert Sunday, May 28 at the Berks County Heritage Center beginning at 6:00 pm. This concert kicks off the County’s “Summer Arts in Berks Parks” series that runs May 28 through August 24.
Formed in 1852 amid the area’s rolling hills and farms; the “Ringgold Band” is proud to be one of America’s first community bands. Today, under the direction of James Seidel, the band maintains its dedication to upholding the time-honored traditions of concert band music. Their diverse concert program will include familiar classics, challenging new works, as well as symphonic overtures, show tunes, solos and a myriad of marches. Refreshments and ice cream available in the snack bar. Parking donation of $5 per car. Rain date is Sunday, June 4th.
The 2017 “Summer Arts in Berks Parks” series features Shakespeare in the Park, an outdoor family movie, and concerts from local and popular groups, almost every other week, May 28 through August 24. Performances are scheduled for the Berks County Heritage Center, the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area amphitheater and barn, and the Hamburg Borough Community Park bandshell. Events run from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm unless otherwise noted.
Here is the rest of the 2017 line-up:
* Sunday, June 11 at the Hamburg Community Park Bandshell
Concert: Reading Pops Orchestra featuring Jill Haley (“America The Beautiful: A Salute to Our Country” with special selections celebrating the National Parks centennial anniversary) Rain location to be announced. Free admission and parking.
* Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 23-25 at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, amphitheater
3 Theatrical Performances: Shakespeare in the Park: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by the Yocum Institute for Arts Education. Parking donation of $5 per car.
* Thursday, July 6 at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, amphitheater
Family Concert: Steve Pullara & the Cool Beans Band (Engaging and interactive family music). Parking donation of $5 per car. Runs 6:00-7:30 pm.
* Sunday, July 9 at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, amphitheater
Concert: Landsharks Band (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, also featuring Rock, Rock ‘N Roll, Top 40, Dance Music, Party Music) Parking donation of $5 per car.
* Thursday, July 27 in the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, barn
Concert: Peter Errich (acoustic, soft rock with a rootsy sound) Parking donation of $5 per car
* Friday, August 11 at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, amphitheater
Family Movie: Family Movie in the Park (Bring blankets or chairs, snacks and enjoy a family-friendly movie favorite on the BIG SCREEN in the park. Call for title.) Starts at 8:00 pm or dark. Rain Date: August 12. Free admission and parking.
* Thursday, August 24 at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, amphitheater
Concert: Rick K. and the Allnighters (Greatest Rock hits from the ’50’s to now) Parking donation of $5 per car.
The Shakespeare in the Park event on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 will be preceded by a Kid’s Program at 4:00 pm by the Yocum Institute for Arts Education’s Junior Theatre Ensemble. The performance will give kids and families an introduction to the evening’s play though the performance of “The Magical Mind of Billy Shakespeare.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bring along picnic suppers. Light refreshments will be available on site. Any change in concert date due inclement weather will be announced on our website, www.countyofberks.com/parks; on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/berkscountyparks, and on WEEU 830 AM.
This series is presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-374-2944, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook under “Berks County Parks and Recreation.”
