Next at Furman Park: Downey Symphony

DOWNEY - Ah, summer concerts in friendly Furman Park. A lot of families head for its grassy lawns and cool shade on Wednesday evenings to enjoy a free performance, and this next Wednesday, Aug. 11, features musicians from Downey's own symphony orchestra, thanks to a generous grant from the Hoag Foundation.The line-up chosen by Music Director Sharon Lavery includes music from "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars," and salutes to America's armed forces that will stir your heart. A soloist brings us "God Bless America," and for the traditional, exciting closer we've loved for decades, our kids and grandkids come up on stage to conduct Sousa marches. Concert time is 7 p.m. Come early, find a good spot and settle in for a perfect summer evening. Furman Park is on Rives Avenue between Florence and Firestone, and you can't miss it - just follow the people carrying picnic baskets and blankets. This is the orchestra's first concert in its 53rd season that will include performances in the Downey Theatre on Saturday evenings, Oct. 23, Jan. 29 and April 2. You'll want to hear those, too. -Joyce Sherwin, Downey Symphony

********** Published: August 5, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 16