The Clifton Park Community Chorus kicked off the town’s Sunday Night in the Park performances with the American Quilt, a variety of music from Broadway and the American classics.
More than 50 people unfolded chairs and laid out blankets, Sunday, June 29, to watch the group perform at Clifton Common on Vischer Ferry Road in Clifton Park.
Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Affairs Myla Kramer said she was pleased with the turnout despite dark skies, which threatened rain.
Kramer said there were double the people in attendance of last year’s first concert.
She said she sent a mass e-mail through the Clifton Park server to several residents reminding them of upcoming events in Clifton Park, including summer recreation and the concert series.
`It’s beautiful sitting here,` said Mary Grace Johnson, of Halfmoon, who attended the concert with her husband, Ed, and their friends Mary Loo and Bob Breton. `They couldn’t have it in a nicer place.`
The couples said they enjoyed the performance and have been coming to the concerts in Clifton Park for years.
After the hour-long performance several people could be seen lingering on the Common chatting as the sun began to set on the muggy June evening.
Next week the town will welcome Big Medicine to its Sundays in the Park with a performance beginning at 7 p.m.
Clifton Park’s Not So Common Players will perform the `Wizard of Oz` on the Common for two weekends beginning Friday, July 11, and ending Sunday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m.
If Sundays do not provide enough summer entertainment then families are welcome to the Common for the Family Performing Arts Series beginning Wednesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. with a performance by the musical group the Zucchini Brothers.
Other performances include magic and puppet shows.
For more information on Sundays in the Park or the Family Performing Arts Series, contact the Office of Parks, Recreation and Community Affairs at 371-6667 or online at www.cliftonpark.org/townhall/performingarts.asp.
In addition to the town’s summer entertainment offerings, residents can also expect a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration with a parade beginning at 12 p.m. at Shenendehowa’s main entrance.
The parade will follow Route 146 West to Vischer Ferry Road, where it will end at Clifton Common.
Events are scheduled all day on the Common including concerts, pony rides and a craft show.
The schedule reads as follows:
1 p.m. Opening Ceremonies by Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks and American Legion with opening remarks by Town Supervisor Phil Barrett.
Noon to 8 p.m. Craft show and open rides.
2 to 5 p.m. Pony rides will be available
4 p.m. Michael Damian, star of `Young and the Restless` and singer of `Rock On,` will perform
4:45 Sirsy, an indie pop rock band, will perform
6:45 Audiostars with Jay Yager perform
There will be food available for purchase from noon to 8 p.m. and a fireworks display at the conclusion of the event.“