Summer Concert Series kicks off this week in La Plata
La Plata residents are in for a treat this summer as the Town of La Plata will begin its Summer Concert Series this Friday.
The La Plata Summer Concert Series will host concerts outside of the town hall each Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., continuing through Friday, Sept. 30. Every Friday the concert schedule includes music genres for the entire family including country, bluegrass, rock, 90s alternative and acoustic, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s classic rock, funk, pop, broadway, concert band, show tunes and jazz.
This year, the town is incorporating several new performing acts, vendors, food trucks and an ice cream truck for concert goers. The event is geared toward families looking to relax and do so for free.
“It’s a fun, free thing to do on a Friday night,” said Colleen Wilson, Town of La Plata special events coordinator. “We have two food vendors on site and a food truck that sells hot dogs, hamburgers and chips, in support of LifeStyles Inc., the nonprofit organization [that assists homeless in the county]. It is a time for families and there are not a whole lot of free things to do but this is one of them and it’s surely a good time.”
Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and coolers. There will also be a play area for children, called the Kids’ Zone, which allows parents to enjoy the concert while keeping an eye on their little ones.
“Our Friday Night Concert Series has served the Town of La Plata and the surrounding community for many years,” said Mayor Roy G. Hale. “It is one of our most popular events because it permits people of all ages to enjoy a Friday evening on the lawn of Town Hall and listen to wide variety of local and military bands. It is a symbol of what small towns should be by bringing friends and neighbors together in an open and friendly environment. I truly enjoy being the master of ceremonies, as does my 8-year-old grandson who helps me out, by seeing how people enjoy the concerts by dancing on the lawn and joining in the festivities. This series is part of the town’s fiber and will continue for a very long time.”
The concert series begins with Drivin’ Muzzy on May 27, then more bands in the following weeks such as Franklin Square Band, Pork Donut, Dr. Robert Band, Eric Scott Band, The Muddy Crows, Paul Thomas and The MWB Band, John Luskey Band, Backfin, and the Port Tobacco Pickers. Wilson said that approximately 200 to 450 local residents experience the musical sounds at the concerts.
“Many people enjoy the concert series because the quality of bands that we have are very good and we have music for everyone,” Wilson said. “We have several new bands this year so we’re interested in seeing how people like them. Its Drivin’ Muzzy’s second year performing in La Plata, they attract a big crowd and so do the military bands because they are professional and you get a good show.”
This summer the town is welcoming a wider variety of military bands, such as the U.S. Navy Band Country Current, U.S. Navy Band Commodores, U.S. Naval Academy Band Electric Brigade, U.S. Navy Band The Sea Chanters, and the Southern Maryland Concert Band. Wilson said all of the military bands usually perform for an hour due to their band’s regulations. All non-military bands will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays.
The Town of La Plata will also be doing a Kids’ Summer Show on Tuesdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. throughout the summer. It is a free show located at the La Plata Town Hall with entertainment, such as a nature show, raptor show, and kids band, for children ages 3 to 9 years old. The Kids’ Summer Show begins on June 28 featuring a performance from Blue Sky Puppet Theatre’s “Bananas,” a healthy eating and exercise show in partnership with the Children’s National Medical Center.
“The children’s events held on different days provides something special for our youth ... We offer these programs to ensure that even the smallest child can enjoy their time spent at town hall,” Hale said.