By RANDY GRIFFITH
Classic-rock music may have seemed incongruent blasting across a Civil War camp, but the reenactors said Roxbury Park concerts provide a great venue for their living history.
“We like to do this because we like to get out there and show people we’re around,” John Hicks said at the 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and Civilians encampment.
The reenactment group set up camp and provided demonstrations of Civil War military and civilian life during breaks in the Roxbury Bandshell’s kickoff of its summer entertainment schedule.
Hundreds gathered at the bandshell for an afternoon of music designed to fit most tastes. The Charlotte Aubrey singers opened the show with patriotic vocal selections, followed by the acoustic sounds of Bill McClelland and his guitar.
Rock groups Desperadoes and Itch cranked things up into the early evening.
Vicki Truscella of Roxbury brought her daughter, Tanya Zimmerman, and grandchildren, Emma, Ava and Gabriel Zimmerman, to the park.
Gabriel said the best part of the show was the playground.
“It is something you can bring the kids to,” Truscello said. “There is something for everybody; for all age groups.”
Ninety-year-old Carmel Coco of Westmont agreed. The longtime bassoonist for the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra tapped his foot in time to the Desperadoes closing number.
“I like all types of music,” he said.
The best part for Coco is seeing the Roxbury Bandshell reclaiming its place as a music hot spot. The Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance dedicated this third season of summer concerts to Coco, who first played at the bandshell’s first concert.
“This has been my baby for a long time,” Coco said. “I helped set up the stage here in 1936.”
Concerts will be presented each Sunday through Sept. 14, alliance President Mary Borkow said. This year, there will be a food concession at each event.
“We are having a picnic in the park all summer,” she said.
