Band added to concert
Trending
STEUBENVILLE -- Another band has been added to Monday's concert lineup at the Berkman Amphitheater.
The annual Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, now in its 17th year, will kick off Memorial Day with two programs: The Tri-State Community Band at 4 p.m. and the classic rock sounds of Shades of Blue at 7 p.m. A brief Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the start of each concert.
"The weather and the occasion are perfect for the opening of the concert season this year," noted Judy Bratten, director of Historic Fort Steuben. "We know that people are ready to enjoy the sunshine and socializing with friends and great music at these events."
The annual concerts traditionally have drawn thousands of people to the downtown area on Thursday evenings. The schedule offers a variety of musical genres to suit all tastes and ages. Fort staff and volunteers work with Rick and Deb Witkowski of Studio L and with Earl Tuttle of Ohio Valley Audio to select the bands to perform in the amphitheater.
"We are so grateful for our sponsors who have helped make the season possible and the many audience members who faithfully donate each week when the bucket is passed," Bratten added. "These concerts cost more than $30,000 to put on, and it is through the generous donations of community members who help us keep the concerts a gift to the community."
The weekly concerts will run through Aug. 3 and include a July 4 program that will lead up to the fireworks display later that night. There will be food vendors at each concert as well as a presence by the Steubenville Fire Department to ensure health and safety.
"The concerts are wonderful events, but we always have a watchful eye on the weather," said Jerry Barilla, site manager of the Old Fort Steuben Project. "If there is a chance of rain in the forecast, we hope that it passes by show time, otherwise we will postpone a show for another date. Also, so much depends on our volunteers for their efforts to make sure the park is looking its best. We make sure the grass throughout the park is cut every Tuesday, so everything is ready to go on Thursday. We just couldn't do it without our dedicated volunteers."
As always, Bratten said area residents are encouraged "to come out, bring a picnic basket and enjoy the concerts this summer."
"We know that music has the power to connect folks and bring the community together," she said. "And for the past 17 years, we have done just that."
A complete concert schedule can be obtained at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center, 120 S. Third St. in Steubenville by calling (740) 283-1787 or on their website at oldfortsteuben.com.