Rock the River concert series coming to Aspinwall park
TAWNYA PANIZZI | Monday, June 4, 2018, 1:39 p.m.
Aspinwall Riverfront Park will host a free summer concert series beginning Sunday, giving music lovers one of the best vantage points in the Lower Valley for outdoor entertainment.
Rock the River will see an eclectic mix of music from reggae to rock, starting with popular local band The Compadres on June 10.
All concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m. and are being paid by the Dave and Beth Short Family Foundation.
Dave Short is a park board member and music enthusiast who said, “We are excited to create a summer concert series for the people of the local and regional community.
“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live music in an extraordinary peaceful riverfront setting.”
Park board members encourage families to picnic at the site, nestled along Freeport Road, during the concerts.
The music lineup follows with The Early Mays, WYEP’s 2014 artists of the year, on July 15; the steel pan band Barrels to Beethoven on Aug. 19; and six-piece reggae band Brahctopus.
Bands were selected by Lynda Wingerd, who teaches weekly Kindermusik classes for children at the park.
“Rock, folk, squiggly and steel pans — it’s something for everyone,” Wingerd said.
Park Executive Director Susan Crookston said she is grateful to donors for giving the experience to the community.
“As a nonprofit organization with no ongoing support from any government entity, these donations are critical to us,” Crookston said.
The 10-acre park offers other amenities to the public, including exercise and music classes, sled riding and skating, theater performances and camps, a walking trail and kayaking through a partnership with Venture Outdoors.
