Published: July 18, 2008 09:39 am            

MUSIC: Summer of '69 returns

BY ANTHONY CUSTODE JR.

nightandday@gnnewspaper.com

For most people, the ‘60s are a distant memory, but all those memories will be celebrated at the fourth annual Summer of ‘69 reunion concert this weekend.

Although the venues for the two-day event are in Lewiston and Youngstown, performers are coming from all over.

“(Performers) live all over the U.S. and they come back once a year and put on this fantastic event,” said Eva Nicklas, artistic director of the Lewiston Council of the Arts.

The concert is a reunion for all the performers to meet in their hometown and celebrate a music era that they grew up with, Nicklas said.

Most of the performers played in popular garage bands in the ‘60s, according to Nicklas. Among the more popular names that are expected to be in attendance are former Lone Star lead singer Richie McDonald and Western New York native and Grammy award winner Gary Baker.

“Richie McDonald is coming. He’s a national recording star, and he’s coming as a volunteer. I can’t believe he’s going to be at the gazebo,” Nicklas said.

The performers won’t be the only visitors this weekend, as the audience is expected to have a bit more diversity when it comes to residency as well.

Perry Vockrodt, who resides in Denver, plans on taking the trip to watch his friends on stage and to introduce a new family member. Vockrodt moved away from Lewiston when he was in his junior year of high school.

“I’m coming up to show my second wife my hometown area, and my daughter lives in New York,” Vockrodt said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”

The Summer of ‘69 was started four years ago by a handful of guys who wanted to play like they were kids again. One of those guys was Chuck Scufari.

“We all played music when we were kids, and we wanted to have a reunion of some sort,” Scufari said.

When it comes to music, attracting a younger demographic can never hurt. Nicklas believes the event may do just that.

“I am expecting a more diverse age group. Most will be seniors, but events at the gazebo are family-friendly,” she said.

Both concerts are free.



IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Summer of ‘69

* WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday

* WHERE: Hennepin Park Gazebo, Center Street, Lewiston, and Ontario House, 358 Main St., Youngstown

* MORE INFORMATION: Call 754-0166 or visit artcouncil.org

        

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