As the New Holland Summer Arts Program (NHSAP) celebrates its 40th anniversary, Sue Noll, secretary/treasurer for NHSAP, is looking forward to featuring a few new acts in the lineup, including the Temple Avenue jazz quintet, Vinegar Creek Constituency, Dreadnought Brigade, and Jubilation Jazz. But Noll is especially looking forward to the concert in the park on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. "John Bressler has not been here for many years," said Noll of the pianist who is originally from Churchtown and who now tours internationally. Bressler is known for his passion to entertain and his raspy vocal style.
The 2019 NHSAP will include more than 20 live musical presentations in the New Holland Community Memorial Park, located in the 400 block of Jackson Street in New Holland. Concerts will begin at 7 p.m., with the exception of the Saturday, Aug. 17, concert, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Funds to help support NHSAP are raised by the annual arts and crafts show sponsored by the organization. This year's show will be held in the park on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers have lined up about 75 vendors for the rain-or-shine event. Among the displays, shoppers will find crafters selling pottery, soap, candles, crocheted crafts, stained glass, repurposed items, wooden crafts, photography, plants, lawn ornaments, jewelry, pot holders, embroidered towels, and more. Many of the crafters will donate items to a Chinese auction.
NHSAP craft fair coordinators have arranged for vendors to sell breakfast and lunch items at the event. Happy Dog will sell both breakfast and lunch foods. Foltz Pretzels will sell pretzels and lemonade, and Schatz Ice Cream will be on-site.
A signed and framed Myrtle Tremblay print of a scene from Charlotte Street in Lancaster will be set up at the show. The print will be given away on Monday, Sept. 2, at the Fiddlers Picnic, which will be the final NHSAP event of the season.
The season will begin with the New Holland Concert Band on Thursday, July 4. The concert will be followed by fireworks. The rain date for that event will be Friday, July 5.
On Sunday, July 7, Summit Hill, a bluegrass and gospel band, will return to the park, and on Wednesday, July 10, Charlie Zahm will play. On Saturday, July 13, the popular Nomads will perform, and on Sunday, July 14, local country singer Sam Schmidthuber will play. On Wednesday, July 17, Big Boy Brass will be heard in the park, and on Saturday, July 20, Elvis and The Memphis Mafia, featuring Bob Lougheed as Elvis, will perform. On Sunday, July 21, Temple Avenue, a jazz quintet, will play, and on Wednesday, July 24, Jubilation Jazz will entertain listeners. On Saturday, July 27, The New Individuals will perform at the venue, and on Sunday, July 28, Servant Stage Company will present "Let Freedom Ring," a musical celebration of America. The final concert of July will feature the classic country of Conley & Watson on Wednesday, July 31.
In August, the West Chester Community Concert Band will play on Sunday, Aug. 4, and the CAISO Steel Drum Band will play on Wednesday, Aug. 7. On Saturday, Aug. 10, Polka Woo will play at the park, followed by Vinegar Creek Constituency on Sunday, Aug. 11. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Den & Terry Duo will play, followed by Mitch and the Mood Swings at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. The Dreadnought Brigade will play classic rock and blues on Sunday, Aug. 18.
All shows are free to the public. More information about NHSAP and a full concert schedule are available at http://www.newhollandsummerarts.com. NHSAP welcomes volunteers. Readers who have questions may email newhollandsummerartsassoc@gmail.com.
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