The La Porte Arts in the Park summer concert series kicked off on Wednesday, June 5th at Fox Park. To start the evening, Patrick Watterson serenaded the coming crowd on keyboard. During the evening the audience could also view the fabulous watercolors of talented artist Mary Miller.
Overlooking peaceful Clear Lake and surrounded by nature, guests were treated to a poetry reading by three time runner-up Poet Laureate and coordinator for the Maple City Word Crafters Dr. Scott Simerlein. Standing in Dennis Smith Amphitheatre, Simerlein read two poems both based off personal experiences titled “ChicaGo?” and “Flump, Flump, Flump.”
Starting at 7:00 the La Porte High School Lab Band directed by Chuck Steck took the stage. The band entertained the audience for thirty minutes to tunes such as “In a Sentimental Mood” and “Little Sunflower”.
Band member Elin Boklund said, “It is very enjoyable and fun to play here. It is an extreme honor to be here and represent La Porte."
At 7:30, Nickel & Dime com Ritmo took the stage. Latin percussion accents this unique acoustic trio. The group had the audience rocking to classic hits of a time before and today. The group even features a familiar face-Hoosier Star winner Nanda Danitschek.
Throughout the evening, audience members could climb down the slope to purchase “poppin’ in the park” concessions staffed by Tri Kappa Members and the La Porte community. All proceeds go to funding the Arts in the Park. The evening was a wonderful chance for the community to come together, enjoy the weather, and get a taste of culture and art.
Co-Director of Arts in the Park Kitty Wolf said, “The project is to raise awareness in the La Porte area so people will love living, playing, and doing business here-so that are children will be raising their children here someday.”
The evening ended under soft twilight and loud applause. This marks the beginning of the ongoing Arts in the Park series. Every Wednesday and Thursday throughout the summer from 6:30 to 8:00 pm there will be a different featured band bringing a variety of music to the area. Also a different artist and poet will share their work with the community. There will be a total of 26 concerts, poetry, and art exhibits throughout the season. The event is always free and open to the public.
“It is the presence of the people that makes this all possible,” commented Wolf.
View more photos from the event here!