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People Seen
People Seen
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by Kathleen Vaught
What could be better after a long Monday than grabbing your family, a quick picnic dinner from one of many Allen area restaurants, then spreading a large blanket on soft grass and enjoying live music filter through the cool evening air? How about being able to do that every Monday for six weeks?
Then you are in luck! The Annual Summer Sounds Concert Series kicks off at the Joe Farmer Recreation Hillside Amphitheater on Monday, May 18 and continues every Monday with a different nightly concert until June 22. The music will range from contemporary favorites to classical to soulful funk and more. Thanks to Allen Parks and Recreation, all Summer Sounds concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. each Monday night.
A local band favorite, Diversion, will set the stage as they open the concert series on May 18. Diversion was founded in 2002 by businessmen and a University of North Texas music student looking for a "diversion" from the typical 8-to-5 existence. The band is comprised of Darrell Files (vocals), Pete Foskett (drums), Randy Hicks (bass), Ray Nowell (guitar, vocals), Grant Pittman (keyboard) and Jim Reed (guitar, vocals). Join them starting at 7 p.m. to hear great contemporary songs from John Mayer, Hootie and Blowfish and U2 to name a few.
The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphony Chorus continues its wonderful Memorial Day concert and tribute event on May 25. Not only will you delight in traditional Patriotic Pops music, but there will be activities designed to honor our veterans and servicemen and women. The event will conclude with a fire-works show!
On June 1, the concert series spices it up with Latin Fire. Founded by David Flores, formerly of Orquesta Carabalí, the band has three vocalists and 11 types of instrumentation ranging from piano and trumpet to Conga drums and maracas. Latin Fire has become very popular in the DFW metroplex and promises to keep the crowd dancing with some Salsa, Merengue, Mambo and more.
Ready to get out to Twist and Shout? Then you won’t want to miss Ticket2Ride performing on June 8. Specializing in early Beatles music, Ticket2Ride captures the spirit and intensity that marked The Beatles’ live performances. The members of Ticket2Ride are Richard Horres as John Lennon; Joe Munoz as Paul McCartney; Ron Ward as George Harrison; and Will Becker as Ringo Starr and they take a tremendous amount of pride in their ability to meet the musical detail demanded by true Beatles fans.
June 15 brings a turn to Motown and the soulful, savvy and sophis-ticated sounds of the All Funk Radio Show Band. Another local favorite, All Funk Radio Show Band has performed all over the North Texas region with a unique blend of old school R&B, hip hop, jazz and more to get enthusiastic crowds on to their dancing feet. You’ll definitely leave this concert wanting more!
The final concert in the series, June 22, offers one of the most unique live music acts on the planet with Tommy O’Carribean. Having performed throughout the United States and as far away as Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean, O’Carribean’s 20-year performance career has given him the expertise, talent and flexibility to create an energizing mini-island vacation for people of all ages. Limber up for the limbo, be ready to feel the sand between your toes and join in the tropical fun until the sun goes all the way down.
The Summer Sounds Concert Series has been a mainstay of the Allen Parks and Recreation Department for nearly a decade. All concerts are free and will start at 7 p.m. with light concessions and snow cones available for purchase. Ground blanket seating is preferred so that concert goers of all ages can enjoy the best line of sight. For more information, visit www.allenparks.org or call the Special Event Hotline at 214.509.4811.
Kathleen Vaught is a marketing specialist for the City of Allen. |
