It will also be 20th straight year Dry Branch has opened the three-concert series. It’s this type of continuity and commitment that series program director Bill Berry said keeps audiences coming back.
“Back in 1993 we asked the city for the use of the park, and it sometimes doesn’t seem possible but it’s still going,” said Berry, who co-founded the event along with the late Bill Hatcher. “It’s a challenge: You want to provide an activity for the community and the people give us feedback they like it.”
Berry said Dry Branch is by far its most popular draw and has the largest crowd. Part of the appeal is member Ron Thomason, who formerly taught at nearby Tecumseh High School.
“He’s a funny guy with a great sense of humor,” Berry said. “Everybody always asks me before the season, are you going to have Dry Branch?”
Another returnee to the series is the Sauerkraut German Band on June 25. Formed by several Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employees in 1973, this group has been entertaining in the area for several years.
Closing out the series will be the Tom Daugherty Orchestra on July 9. Another longtime part of the series and popular in the southwest Ohio music scene, the orchestra will perform legends of big-band music along with patriotic songs coming not long after the July Fourth holiday.
Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Places to put chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Berry said food and soft drinks are welcome, as no vendors will be on site. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
At intermission of each concert, a freewill collection will be taken to support the series.
If inclement weather occurs, then the concerts will move to the auditorium of the New Carlisle Elementary School auditorium, 1203 Kennison Drive.
Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.
How to go
What: The 25th annual Summer in the Park Series
Where: Smith Park Amphitheater, New Carlisle
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11; Sunday, June 25; Sunday, July 9
Admission: Free
More info: 937-845-8774
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