That’s All, Folks–Concert Series in the Park Ends with Bang
Local icon Tom Principato Band -- they saved the best for last . . .
We’d have to ask Master of Ceremonies Gordon Theisz to be sure, but it looked to us like Thursday night’s final Concert in the Park was the biggest draw of the season. Local Blues favorite Tom Principato wowed the crowd (definitely the most dancers on the grass of the summer), and when it was all over he said, “See you next year.”
Concerts in the Park are produced and funded by the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society, which appears to have an insider’s agreement with the “weather-person.” Of the seven Thursday concerts, only one required the audience to seek shelter. Not bad, VPIS! See if you can top it next year.
The kids always hit the dance floor first . . .
. . . but by the last number, everyone was joining in. (Falls Church Times photos by George Southern)
By George Southern
August 6, 2009
Perfect in every way. I’m already sad it’s over. The only consolation is when the concert series ends it means college football season is near.
Thanks for the fine coverage this year George! It was a true pleasure. I estimated the crowd to be around 400, which gives us 2500 for the year. Had we not had rain on Randy Barrett (and 70 people hiding in the shelters), we would have reached 2700 or 2800 for the year. This was a remarkable season for attendence and I personally think the local musical talent was outstanding. We can thank fellow VPIS board member Carol Sly for her multi-styled advertisements getting the word out and for fellow concert goers for excellent word of mouth. Also remarkable was the Kokolopori Falls Church Sister City Partnership’s fundraising success. Their ice cream sales raised enough money to pay the salary for the nurse at the Kokolpori clinic that KFCSCP sponsors!
It was a true pleasure for me bringing these concerts to our citizens and I really am looking forward to next summer. For now, I am glad to not have to haul the PA equipment for a while. I am very grateful to Jon Hundley, Dave Devechia, Karl Ensign, Shane Ensign, Carol Sly, Ginger Pinholster and her husband, Jenny Elmore, and Sonny from Recs and Parks for all of their help in making this a truly great season!
For those readers who enjoyed the series, both Andrew Acosta (American roots music) and Judo Chop (the eighties band) will be performing at the Fall Festival/Taste of Falls Church on September 12! Aside from good music, this event is truly a local’s favorite with local restaurants competing and lots of community organizations showing off at booths. Go Falls Church!
If you liked the concerts you need to take the time to shake Gordon’s hand. He puts it together every year. Even though some newspapers don’t give him credit or VPIS credit for finacing the operation, everyone should know that it all gets done because of doctor G…..Thanks doc!!!!!