May 29, 2019

In its 13^th season, the Summer Concert Series returns to Anson B. Nixon Park in June.  All concerts are FREE and run 8 consecutive Wednesdays June 19^th thru August 7^th.

Concerts are rain or shine events, and are only canceled in the event of severe weather.  Doors open at 6 p.m. Shows start promptly at 7 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. with a brief intermission.  Dinner is available for purchase from area restaurants at all performances, with desserts offered by La Michoacana Ice Cream and Sweet Magnolia Bakery.

The series kicks off Wednesday June 19^th with “Western Centuries” from Seattle, Washington performing original country music done a little different, but a little right.  Think George Jones meets The Band meets Motown.  Kennett Brewing Company will offer dinner on June 19^th.

On Wednesday June 26^th the series continues with “All Good People – A Tribute to Yes.”  Philadelphia based Yes Tribute All Good People has been wowing audiences over the past two years in PA, Delaware, Maryland and beyond.  El Rinconsito will offer dinner on June 26^th.

Wednesday July 3^rd ,we welcome what is sure to be a highlight of the series with “Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber” performing the music of David Bowie and Prince, as well as original works!  Burnt Sugar hail from New York City and Rolling Stone’s David Fricke has said of the group, “A multiracial jam army that freestyles with cool telekinesis between the lustrous menace of Miles Davis’ On The Corner, the slash-and-om of 1970s King Crimson, and Jimi Hendrix’ moonwalk across side three of Electric Ladyland.”  Think Jazz and Rock and Orchestrated Improvisations.  Anson B. Nixon Park has never seen anything like this!  M&M Barbecue will offer dinner on July 3^rd.

Wednesday July 10^th, we host the 30 Piece (yes 30 musicians) “Chesapeake Brass Band” performing marches, orchestra transcriptions, jazz, blues, show tunes and contemporary concert and brass band pieces.  Kennett Brewing Company will offer dinner on July 10^th.

Wednesday July 17^th, in conjunction with area charitable arts organization HADLEY, we present “Lowdown Brass Band” from Chicago, Illinois.  LDB deftly synthesizes the gritty sounds of Chicago with the high energy second-line street beat of the Crescent City.  Hip Hop meets Jazz.  One the Roll Food Truck and Catering will offer dinner on July 17^th.

Wednesday July 24th, the series welcomes “Mighty Joe Castro & the Gravamen.”  Call it “Modern Sounds in Rockabilly”.  Based out of Philadelphia, PA, Mighty Joe Castro and the Gravamen is the latest musical project from accomplished collage artist and musician Joe Castro (ex-The Situation, The Lift Up, Nero /OPF). Heavily influenced by the sound of rockabilly as well as ‘50s rock-n-roll and doo-wop, the band takes that vintage rock and roll sound but updates it with a modern lyrical approach and a healthy dose of post-modern guitar effects. Consider it a house that resides at the cross roads where Sun Records and Creation Records meet.  Mary Pat’s Provisions will offer dinner on July 24th.

Wednesday July 31^st, the series welcomes “Andrew Lipke with a full band.”  Lipke is a Philadelphia based, South African born multi-instrumentalist and composer who marries Alternative, Singer Songwriter, Folk and Classical Styles.  Expect a full rock band augmented by some strings for sure.  Verbena BYOB will offer dinner on July 31^st.

The series closes on Wednesday August 7^th with a Kennett Flash Encore performance of sorts when “The Sin City Band” celebrate 45 Years of Music one more time in Kennett Square with a special performance of Americana, Folk, Rock and Roll and more!  Porabellos will offer dinner on August 7^th.

The series is presented free of charge thanks to generous grants and donations from area businesses and charitable organizations including; The Chester County Community Foundation, Hadley, The Neil Joines Foundation Fund, The Jean and Aaron Martin Fund, Dansko, The Hutton Family Help Fund, The Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania, The Mushroom Festival, Just in Time Communications, Century 21 Pierce & Bair, Inc., Tri-M, Kennett Center For Advanced Dentistry, Wild Birds Unlimited, Melton Architects, Dorset Connects, H.A. Thomson Risk Management Services, Maffei Landscape Design LLC, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, and Historic Kennett Square.

The concerts are a collaboration between The Kennett Area Park Authority and The Kennett Flash and are organized by a volunteer committee over the span of several months leading up to the first concert.

Anson B. Nixon Park is located at 405 N. Walnut Street in Kennett Square, PA.  More information about the park can be found at www.ansonbnixonpark.org.  More information on the concerts and performers, and The Kennett Flash can be found at www.kennettflash.org.

 

As WCStudio for the Performing Arts at Uptown! Spring Shows close, plans are already underway for two exciting summer shows that are part of their summer camp program. Taught by seasoned industry professionals, these and more camp experiences provide fun learning opportunities for young entertainers at every level, at the front of the crowd and backstage. Details about all WCStudio camps can be found at westchesterstudio.com.

Both show camps are full day camps, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays for three weeks, concluding with fully staged productions for family, friends and the community. On the first day, campers are introduced to the story, get some audition insight and audition for role placement. Rehearsals are off and running on the second day. No previous stage experience is required.

The 2019 Kids Show (ages 8-14) is “Junie B. Jones The Musical.” Hitting close to home, it’s the story of Junie’s topsy turvy first day of first grade. So much has changed! Her friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, she makes friends with the new kid at school and meets a friendly cafeteria lady. Toss in a kickball tournament and a Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal for an exciting and endearing production July 11 at 1 p.m. and July 12 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Teens (ages 12-17) are looking forward to producing “High School Musical.” With a variety of really fun roles, there is something for every personality on and off the stage. Stereotypical cliques, Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes, get together to break the status quo along with basketball team captain, Troy, and brainy new girl Gabriella. It’s a musical about auditioning for a musical. Shows are August 1, 2, 3 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.

New this summer, teens (14-18) can participate in the Teen Show from behind the scenes in Back Stage Tech Camp. Taught by Uptown!s Tech Director, campers will explore lighting design, sound design, stage management, carpentry and more in this two-week camp. Learn those critically important practices week one, apply new skills during week two as run crew for the Teen Show Camp production.

Summer Stock Kids is always a popular camp for ages 8-12. In just one week, campers create, rehearse and perform a One Act Play, just like real actors do each summer. All roles will be of comparable size, giving every performer their time to shine in the spotlight when they perform for family and friends at the end of the last day of camp.

Performers enrolled in any camp may continue their love of theater during the extended day, with additional activities and theater games. Multi-camp discounts are available. All camps are held at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, conveniently located near parking, shopping and restaurants at 226 North High Street, West Chester. Register at westchesterstudio.com/summer-camps, at the box office or call 484-995-2915.