Sounds of the Summer Reign at Lakewood Park

If there’s one thing Lakewood residents love during the summer, it is outdoor concerts. To wit, the City of Lakewood has just released its 2011 Summer Band Concert Series schedule. And it's a winner.

A venerable summertime custom in Lakewood, these no cost, open-to-the-public concerts are held on Sundays at 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Park Bandstand in Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Ave.

“We’re proud of the wonderful tradition these concerts have become,” says Melissa Garrett, who helms the Office of Community Relations for the City of Lakewood.

“At over 40 years of history, it is our longest running event, with planning that starts at the beginning of every year with budgetary factors considered.”

Because the city can’t make decisions until they know how much money is in the coffers, confirmation of the schedule and the artists who will fill it aren't in place until the end of May.

As for who performs, tradition wins out there as well.

“Our tradition trends toward groups who have performed the bandstand in the past are invited to return,” Garrett says.

“In the case that we have openings in the schedule, there is consideration to allow for new groups to be a part of the lineup.”

The 2011 bandstand concerts will feature the following performances from local acts:

July 17: Local jazz legend Ernie Krivda & his Fat Tuesday Big Band

July 24: The Tower City Barbershop Chorus

July 31: The Cleveland Tops Swing Band

August 7: The New Barleycorn (Irish folk)

August 14: Jazz singer Ki Allen

August 21: The Lakewood Hometown Band

A special July 4 performance will feature The Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School's Youth Rock Orchestra, leading up to a 9:45 p.m. start of the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks display.

“Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner or snacks,” Garrett says, adding that there is a “small concession set up near bandstand with pop, chips, popcorn, candy and other snacks which is operated by the Board of Recreation.”

Should inclement weather arrive for the August 21 Lakewood Hometown Band concert, it will be held in the Lakewood City Hall Auditorium located at 12650 Detroit Ave.

For further information on the concerts and other city event information, visit the city’s website at http://www.onelakewood.com.