©2006 The Chestnut Hill Local

Pastorius concerts start on June 14
by Kristin Pazulski

Ten performances are lined up for this year’s Pastorius Park Concert Series, despite a cut in budget that threatened to reduce the size of the series.

When the Chestnut Hill Community Fund allocated less than half of the money requested for the concert series, the committee planning the series considered reducing the number of performances. “I just didn’t think that option was acceptable,” said committee chair Tia Burke.

The series cost about $30,000, Burke said. The committee requested $17,000 from the fund and received $8,200.

The committee sought other means of financing the series, and Burke said that with its latest partnerships the group is only about $3,000 short of the total budget —assuming print materials are donated and improvements to equipment aren’t made this year.

Weavers Way Co-op plans to sell food at the concerts and donate the profits to the Pastorius Park series. Also, Legacy Real Estate stepped up as a corporate sponsor, donating money this year, and state Rep. Cherelle Parker pledged financing.

Burke said plans are underway for a silent auction fundraiser, though no date or details could be released.

The Wednesday night concert series — which will include a Shakespeare performance — is scheduled to begin June 14 with “Swing Night,” featuring the Ken Ulansey Ensemble, including Grammy award-winning performers.

The series continues on June 21 with singer-songwriter Phil Roy performing with El Dinero. On June 28, park-goers can dance to blues and roots music with Dukes of Destiny.

Join The Allentown Band, said to be the oldest civilian concert band in America, on July 5 for its 30th consecutive performance at Pastorius Park. And the Boris Garcia Family Reunion takes the stage July 12 for a display of jamming folk and grass music.

On July 19 the Hot House brings Dixieland and jazz to the park, and July 26 features blues singer-songwriter Melody Gardot.

Solas plays its traditional Irish music on Aug. 2, and African rhythms and traditional soul of Toubab Krewe is featured Aug. 9.

The concert series comes to a close on Aug. 16 with the string trio Time for Three.

The bard drops by Saturday, July 22, with the Commonwealth Classic Theater Company’s presentation of Much Ado About Nothing on the Pastorius Park stage.

The Pastorius Park concert series is free of charge, though donations are accepted; concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The concerts move to Springside School when it rains. For more information call the Chestnut Hill Community Association office, 215-248-8810.