Middays are about to get musical again.
Lunch on the Lawn, a series of four concerts featuring music in different genres, will return Friday, July 21, and continue the following three Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Springfield Museum of Art.
The concerts are presented by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Museum and the concerts are free.
“We’re presenting a good selection of music in a beautiful setting. This is a good way to spend
your lunch hour, bring the entire family, your coworkers or friends to enjoy the sunshine and the music,” said Lou Ross, executive director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
Kicking off the series is a five-brother string quartet from Bellefontaine, Full Sound Chamber Group.
“We had them perform last year but the weather moved us inside so a smaller audience was able to enjoy them,” Ross said. “I wanted them back so that more of our patrons could see them again to appreciate their talent.”
The Muleskinner Band of Urbana performs bluegrass with distinctive vocals as they gather around one microphone to harmonize while playing on July 28.
When he was hired in 2015, Ross was told that smooth jazz band GoodVibes should always be booked for Lunch on the Lawn. Their annual performance is Aug. 4.
“They are a crowd favorite playing recognizable songs with a flair and nice audience rapport,” he said.
Rounding out 2017 on Aug. 11 is a new addition to the series, The Wild Carrot Trio.
“This is a fun trio with a diverse offering of songs and instruments with some great singing. It will be nice to add them to the mix,” Ross said.
Attendees can bring their own lunch and lawn chairs or other seating. Sack lunches will be available with drinks for $6 on sight.
Performances will be moved indoors if inclement weather occurs.
Ross credits several sponsors and the partnership with the Museum for continuing this unique annual experience.
“We couldn’t present Lunch on the Lawn without this type of collaborative effort. I think it is simply
amazing the way companies, organizations and individuals step up to help give a gift of the arts to the community.“
Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.
How to go
What: Lunch on the Lawn
Where: Springfield Center for the Arts at Wittenberg, 150 Cliff Park Road
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays starting July 21 through Aug. 11
Admission: Free; food available for purchase
More info: 937-325-8100 or www.springfieldsym.org/event/lunch-on-the-lawn/
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