Enjoy the Philharmonic and food trucks this Friday

The Rhode Island Foundation is inviting the public to a free concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park Fri., Aug. 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Community is the core of our work. Community begins where people come together to share experiences. There is not a better spot to celebrate the spirit of community than in one of the state’s best-loved gathering places,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

The 60-piece orchestra will play two 45-minute sets with a 20-minute intermission. The program will feature rousing standards, including the Star Spangled Banner, the 1812 Overture and the “Harry’s Wondrous World” theme from the Harry Potter movies.

At least 25 food trucks will be at the Temple to Music and at the park’s normal Food Truck Friday location at Carousel Village, including a beer and wine garden. The trucks will serve everything from gourmet burgers and authentic Chinese street food to vegan ice cream and cannoli from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“Wonderful food, fresh air and space for thousands of music lovers on blankets and lawn chairs. It should be another spectacular evening,” said Steinberg.

Parking is available throughout Roger Williams Park and there will be a secure area to leave bikes at the Temple to Music. Details are posted on the Foundation’s website.

For the first time ever, there will be seating in the “bowl” area directly in front of the stage. There will be chairs for about 150 people. The area is open to the public, but seating is first come, first served.

The Foundation first brought the Philharmonic to Roger Williams Park to celebrate its Centennial in 2016. It was the first time the orchestra had performed at the Temple to Music in more than a decade. An estimated 7,000 people attend last year’s performance.

“Although we envisioned the Centennial concert as a one-time event, the past two years have been so successful and were enjoyed by so many that we decided to bring the Philharmonic back for a third year,” said Steinberg.

The concert comes just a year after the Foundation concluded a multi-million-dollar campaign to restore Roger Williams Park. The improvements include upgrades to the park’s entrances, new signage and repairs to the Museum of Natural History, the Bandstand and the Casino.

Founded on June 13, 1916, with a $10,000 gift from industrialist Jesse Metcalf, the Foundation’s assets have grown to more than $950 million. Over the past five years alone, the Foundation has awarded more than $190 million in grants.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $38 million and awarded $43 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2017. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.