A Little Rain Didn’t Stop the Music

The Summer Rhapsody Music Festival Orchestra played a lovely set on Friday evening. It was one of many jaunts of live entertainment that Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events (VCFE) will present to Valparaiso throughout the summer. Due to weather concerns, the concert was moved to the Valparaiso High School Auditorium. The VCFE pulled the location switch off effortlessly.

“Since there was a last minute change of venue we had to let everybody know. We made a lot of phone calls and it all went well,” Kristin Morrisson of VCFE said. “I love music so hearing Aaron Copland and John Williams were part of the event made me really happy. And to be in this venue where I went to high school –how cool is that?”

The theme of the concert was An American Salute and it honored great American composers. There was even a piece that was a stirring medley of songs that represented each branch of the military.

The event was free and open to any and all who wished to attend. Free t-shirts and tote bags were given away as well to patron as they entered the high school. Valparaiso High School band director Miguel E. Rosario-Vega led orchestra, and within the orchestra itself there were some familiar faces.

“I’m having a great time. I very blessed,” Rosario-Vega said. “This is our third season and it’s great to be surrounded be surrounded by this group of musicians. And I’m very grateful for the support from our sponsors.”

Karin Woodside, a Lady Lifer, was a violinist in the orchestra.

“I’ve been a part of the orchestra every time they performed,” Woodside said. “And it’s really enjoyable to play with local musicians and reconnect with former teachers. The program is especially fitting since July 4 is right around the corner. It’s great to be able to honor our veterans through music.”

If you missed the concert, there are plenty more chances to get out to the Central Park Plaza and enjoy the music. Take a look at the schedule below to see all the dates and times for the upcoming concerts.

  • June 19: Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band; 7pm
  • June 21: Summer Rhapsody Festival Orchestra; 8pm
  • July 10: Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band; 7pm
  • July 17: Middle of the Road Band; 7:30pm
  • July 24: Middle School Band, 7pm
  • August 8: Chicago Rat Pack; 7:30pm
  • August 16: Spazmatics; 7:30pm

“This is the orchestra that played at the opening for the Central Park Plaza,” Jennifer Peek, Marketing Director of VCFE said. “Miguel has been involved since the beginning and he is fabulous. It’s been a great event to attend.”

For more information about the Summer Rhapsody Music Festival contact VCFE at www.valparaisoevents.com or call (219) 464-8332. Or visit their Facebook page!

Click here to see more photos from the concert!

Sponsors for the event: Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute, NIPSCO, Grieger’s, Urschel Laboratories Incorporated, Innovative Successful Environments, First Source Bank.