BY RUTH RICE
RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM
The summer season officially starts with Memorial Day, and May 25 will see a summer tradition return to Johnstown for the third year.
The first of a series of outdoor concerts will begin at 1 p.m. May 25 at the Roxbury Bandshell on Franklin Street, Johnstown.
The first concert will feature patriotic selections with the Aubrey Singers at 1, acoustic rock with Bill McClelland at 2, classic rock with the Desperados at 3 and rock with Itch at 5.
To commemorate Memorial Day, the 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and Civilians, a Civil War re-enactment group, will present hands-on living history demonstrations from 11 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.
“They contacted us, and we loved the possibility,” said Mary Borkow, president of the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance, which sponsors the concerts. “We thought it would be educational and give us the opportunity for people to learn about history in a historical setting.”
Borkow said the Civil War group will set up their tents to the side of the bandshell, weather permitting.
This kickoff to the bandshell’s summer season is being touted as a picnic in the park. The alliance will provide beverages and snacks, and Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company will grill hamburgers and hot dogs.
All proceeds from food sales and any donations for the free concert will go toward the bandshell’s restoration fund, Borkow said.
“We’re looking forward to a large crowd,” she said. “The audience has grown each year. People are coming out to support us. This is a Sunday tradition that more people are taking advantage of.”
Audience members should be prepared to provide their own seating with lawn chairs or blankets.
This third season of concerts is being dedicated to Carmel Coco, a musician well-known in the area who played at the bandshell in its heyday.
The rest of the concerts will begin at 5 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 14, except for the last concert, which will begin at 1.
“Musicians have contacted us, interested in performing at our site,” Borkow said. “People are interested in utilizing the space. Nail Soup Theater will be here two weeks performing, and there will be a wedding here in September.”
Completed renovations include a new roof with skylights, but Borkow said the inside of the bandshell is still a hard-hat area.
A small part of the original bandshell – large musical notes mounted on the stone edifice – will be unveiled at the first concert.
“It was awesome to relocate them,” Borkow said.
The next item on the to-do list is bathroom facilities.
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority has acquired $85,000 in grant money for the alliance from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The alliance will have to match that amount by the end of the summer.
“We hope this series generates interest to make contributions,” Borkow said. “We’ve been fortunate to have financial support. It indicates this is a worthwhile project worth restoring.”
Those who wish to contribute to the restoration may send a tax-deductible check earmarked for Roxbury Bandshell to Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 116 Market St., Johnstown, Pa. 15901.
Bands are back
What: First outdoor concert of Roxbury Bandshell’s summer series.
When: 1 p.m. May 25.
Where: Roxbury Bandshell, Franklin Street, Johnstown.
Information: www.roxburybandshell.com.
The rest of the season’s lineup will have a 5 p.m. start except for Sept. 14:
June 1: Tim Frick, rock; The Chi, improv rock.
June 8: The Cash Review, Johnny Cash tribute; Worldsong, world music.
June 15: Corkey Christy, jazz.
June 22: Jenny Drum-mey, indie-acoustic; The Rain, rock.
June 29: Patriotic/military tribute.
July 6: Truckstop 5, Americana; Rusty Gun Revival, roots/Americana.
July 13: Mike Reich and Hard Roc, Koko & Joe, both acoustic.
July 20: Ribbon Grass Acoustic, acoustic rock; All in Good Time, rock.
July 27: Rosie and the Jammers, polka.
Aug. 3: Johnstown Reed Band.
Aug. 10: Songworks, original songwriters.
Aug. 17: Jazz in Your Face, big band.
Aug. 24: Jackie Kopco, contemporary rock.
Aug. 31: No concert.
Sept. 7: Brothers Spi-nelli, Americana rock; Brothers Kelly, acoustic rock.
Sept. 14: 1 p.m., Jackson Monsour, singer/song-writer; 3 p.m., Johns-town Classic Rockers; 5 p.m., Yum, rock.
