Singer John Pagano To Headline Summer's End For 2nd Year

Summer’s End is returning for its 16th year on Friday, Sept. 2, with singer John Pagano once again set to perform with the R.I. Philharmonic. The evening will also include the popular childrens and veterans parades as well as performances by the EGHS Jazz Band and voice students of local talent Phoebe Madden.

Pagano, who was in Rhode Island last week and sat down for an interview with EG Patch, said he was only too happy to be asked back to Summer’s End.

“It’s a great event and my family gets to see me perform - what could be better?” he said.

Pagano grew up in Providence. He lives in Los Angeles now and performs and tours regularly with Burt Bacharach. But he comes home to Little Rhody several times a year.

“I love Rhode Island,” he said. “It’s just more real here.”

Pagano’s been touring with Bacharach for years. Before coming to Rhode Island, he'd been on a tour with Bacharach in Italy. As much as he admires Bacharach and has loved working with the musical legend, Pagano said his solo career now is taking off. Singing with philharmonic orchestras is one avenue he’s taken - he raves about working with R.I. Philharmonic conductor Francisco Noya.

“He’s such a nice guy,” Pagano said, "and a great conductor."

Pagano also has a new album out, “Pure Imagination,” a compilation of classics sung in Pagano’s rich bluesy baritone.

“We had good feedback on John last year and we’re happy to have him back,” said Summer’s End President Bill Maloney. “We’re hoping it’s going to be great event again this year.”

Maloney said that fundraising has been going a bit better than last year, when donations fell off with the down economy.

“It’s a little better than last year, so that’s a positive thing,” he said. The concert costs about $65,000 to present, including the stage, the sound system and, of course, the orchestra.

The town absorbs some of the other costs of the event, providing help with the set up and extra police officers. In addition, the town awarded the festival a $5,000 grant. That grant had been as high as $10,000 in earlier years, but it was $7,500 last year and lower again this year.

“They have been really helpful,” said Maloney of the town, acknowledging the tough times.

Beyond that, he said, the event relies on sponsors, both corporate and individual.

“We got $20,000 in what we call 'patron' donations last year,” said Maloney, “from people who give us $15 or $20, or more.” This year, he said, they have received only half that so far. Maloney said the Summer’s End board is hoping that individuals and businesses come through with donations again as they have in years past.

To donate to Summer’s End, people can go to the website or can send in a check by mail to Summer Arts & Festival Organization, P.O. Box 1614, East Greenwich, RI 02818.