Toronto gazebo concerts return

TORONTO -- The weekly Concerts at the Gazebo series returns to Toronto today in a special way.

This evening’s event, the first of nine concerts presented by Inspire Toronto, will begin at a special time.

Carrying the theme of “Stars, Stripes and Sacrifice,” the celebration of America’s independence will begin at 6 p.m. at the World War I Monument, which is located at the corner of North Third and Market streets in the Gem City. Phil Ighnat of the Historical Society of Toronto will discuss the monument, which holds a significant spot in history -- it is considered to be the first monument to those who served in that war.

Dedicated in 1919, the sculpture was created by Giuseppe Moretti, whose works can be seen around the world, including in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park.

That will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a performance of the Tri-State Community Concert Band, under the direction of Kirk George, at the gazebo, which is located across the street from the monument.

The Ron Retzer Trio will close out the evening at 7:30 p.m. and will perform crowd favorites and patriotic music.

This week will represent a slight switch in the concert schedule, according to Abby LeMasters, president of Inspire Toronto.

“The gazebo concerts are typically held every Wednesday in July and August,” she said Monday. “Because this is the Fourth of July week, we partnered with Jefferson County in the effort to provide something for each day.”

Officials worked with communities throughout the county to put on a week’s worth of activities centered around the America 250 theme. Tonight’s concert is one of them. The festivities began Saturday with Thunder in the Ville. They continued Sunday with the veterans barbecue in Steubenville, with Monday night featuring the Quaker concert in Dillonvale. Wednesday and Thursday will see Wednesdays in Wintersville, Thursday is the 1170 Jamboree Staff Band Reunion concert at the Berkman Amphitheater, Friday is First Fridays on Fourth in Steubenville and it all comes to an end with July 4 fireworks displays in Steubenville and Toronto.

“Tuesday was open, so we moved our Wednesday concerts to Tuesday,” LeMasters added.

LeMasters was joined by Alicia Troski, Inspire Toronto’s vice president, and Toni Moreland, the organizaion’s treaurer, at the gazebo to discuss the concert series.

Inspire Toronto, they said, has been serving the community for more than a decade. The concert series is just one of the many things they do to support the community.

Members also coordinate activities that include the city’s light-up night, the Art in the Park series for children and an entrepreneurial spirit scholarship that goes to a high school senior. They also have helped secure storefront improvement grants.

After this week’s concert, the gazebo series will move to its traditional 7 p.m. start on Wednesday evenings.

Linden and Melvin will perform on July 8, with Bill Crawford (a Johnny Cash tribute artist) and the Honky Tonk Sweethearts appearing on July 15.

July 22 will see an appearance by Jimmy Lee Hook, while Chelsea Householder and the Remainders will perform on July 29.

The Mad River Men will perform on Aug. 5, the Fantasy’s will appear on Aug. 12, Night Moves will perform on Aug. 19 and Pocket Change will close out the series on Aug. 26.