Even summer thunderstorms couldn't dampen the lively music that filled Central Park Plaza Wednesday evening for the kickoff of this year’s Summer Rhapsody concert series. During the series, Valparaiso Events hosts 9 local bands in the park over the course of the summer for free concerts. Music lovers huddled under their umbrellas, sipped at glasses of wine, and enjoyed picnic dinners.
The Valparaiso Community University Concert Band performed instrumentals of popular songs such as “Let it Go” and “For the First Time in Forever” from the Disney hit Frozen.
The band is directed by Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler of Valparaiso University and Michael Baum, who directs the Boone Grove Middle School and High School bands. The Valparaiso Community Concert Band is made up of band members of all ages, from students to seniors. The band accepts everyone, without any fees or auditions. The band often performs at local community events.
“It brings people out even on a day like this,” said concert-goer Sandy Baum. “People enjoy the music, enjoy the park, and enjoy downtown Valparaiso.”
Located in the heart of downtown Valparaiso, the Summer Rhapsody Concerts make for a lovely evening or the perfect date night. Dine in one of Valpo’s many excellent restaurants or pack a picnic dinner, then head over to Central Park Plaza for a night of music and culture.
Valparaiso Events would like to thank Dr. Leland and Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute for their sponsorship of the event. The organization would not be able to have events without the support of our sponsors and their dedication to the community.
The Summer Rhapsody series will continue long into the summer. Here are the dates of future concerts:
- Neverly Brothers: Thursday, June 19
- VHS Jazz Band: Friday, June 27
- Switchback: Wednesday, July 9
- Valparaiso Community University Concert Band: Wednesday, July 16
- Middle School Concert Band: Wednesday, July 23
- Spazmatics: Friday, August 1
- Mozart in the Park: Friday, August 8
- Highway Band: Friday, August 15
For more information on Valparaiso Events, click here.
And for more information on the Valparaiso Community University Band, click here.