By Neena Strichart
As I wrote last week, there are so many free activities to keep us entertained locally this summer. I think my all-time favorite outings are the concerts in the park put on by Friends of Signal Hill Cultural Arts (FOSHCA). In partnership with the City of Signal Hill, the 2010 Summer Concerts in the Park series was kicked off earlier this month and will continue each Wednesday evening 6:30pm to 8pm with the last concert taking place August 11.
Through the years, it has been difficult for any of us at the Signal Tribune to attend the concerts because we usually had to work late to be ready for our early Thursday morning deadlines. Circumstances have changed dramatically over the last three weeks because we switched business to a new printer who favored us with a later deadline on Thursdays. Not only have we been given the gift of time, I think the paper has a crisper look to it that makes our photos more appealing and our text easier to read. Talk about a win-win!
Week before last, Steve and I drove over to the park, set up our chairs and just sat quietly listening to the band and watching the other attendees. What a hoot. Some folks danced, others sang along, little kids ran in circles, dogs barked, one couple made a game of throwing grapes in the air and trying to catch them in their mouths. It was a scene that could have been taken out of a Norman Rockwell painting. By the end of the evening we were so relaxed. My only problem was sore cheek muscles from smiling for an hour and a half. What a small price to pay for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I can’t wait to do it again. Those who are interested in joining in on the fun need to take a look at the following press release submitted by FOSHCA. Read on:
The Silver Beatles will be featured July 28, followed by Neil Diamond double Dean Colley on August 4, courtesy of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach-Anaheim & Obispo Office. According to FOSHCA, for the final concert on August 11, Signal Hill Petroleum will be sponsoring the 11 members of Pretzel Logic, bringing the spirit of Steely Dan alive with their jazzy horn lines, smooth vocals, rock guitar licks and funky grooves.
Come out and enjoy some free entertainment alfresco. Bring your own food and drink or buy something yummy at the park. Also, don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win a wide array of prizes donated by local businesses and organizations.
See you there!
P.S. FOSHCA thanks the generous sponsors who support the concerts, their quarterly family art-making workshops and art exhibitions, annual show & sell art fair, and all our other programs and activitie. Diamond Sponsors: LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach-Anaheim & Obispo Office, Signal Hill Petroleum, and Willow Urgent Care; Platinum Sponsors: Aleshire & Wynder, Charter Communications, Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, Signal Hill Disposal, Signal Tribune Newspaper, and Triple R Catering; Gold Sponsors: Coldwell Banker NRT Terry Rogers and Universal Care Medical Groups; Silver Sponsors: AAA Calvert Electrical, Heating & Air Conditioning, Chinese Combo, Courtyard Care Center, Delius Restaurant, Golden Eagle Signal Hill, RKA Consulting, and The Undershirt; and a host of other sponsors.
