When talking about the Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series, Sharon Neal, board member with the fledgling 501(c)(3) nonprofit, focuses on one important aspect. "It's the delight of the audience," she noted. "People tap their feet. They come up and say it was wonderful, and it's a blessing to us that they enjoy it," she said. "Some come to every concert."
Concerts began on June 16, and they will continue on Thursdays at 7 p.m. through Aug. 11. The series raises funds for a vocal competition for local high school and college students. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the competition has not been held since 2020. Neal noted that the organization plans to bring the competition back in 2023.
Upcoming concerts will take place at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E. Roseville Road, Lancaster. The next concert, on July 21, will feature Servant Stage presenting hits from the 1950 and 1960s with a live rock band and well-known oldies. On July 28, Reji Woods Productions will present "Songs From the Silver Screen" featuring Reji Woods as vocalist/narrator and vocalists Kathryn Cook, Kayla Klase, and Nolen Petrosky, with Mike Truitt on keyboard, David Flores on bass, and Stephen Brown on drums. On Aug. 4, Lancaster British Brass Band, conducted by Andrew Yozviak, will perform classic songs, marches, hymns, popular music, solos, and original compositions, and on Aug. 11, a presentation called "Broadway and More" will feature songs from "Carousel," "Sound of Music," and "Les Miserables." That concert will feature vocalists Lamar Dourte, Alice Lauver, Shaun Ressler, Klase, and Kay Kneisley.
Neal noted that the organization began as the fundraising arm of OperaLancaster, which started as Lancaster Opera Workshop and later was called Lancaster Opera Company. In 2019, Lancaster Lemonade Concerts began working to become its own nonprofit, called Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series. In that capacity, the organization has sent checks to Lancaster Symphony and Lancaster Youth Orchestra.
The 2022 summer series featured 10 concerts in all. A freewill offering is received at each event. More information about the series may be found at https://tinyurl.com/lemonadeconcerts2022 or by searching for "Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series" on Facebook.
Leave a Review