Music in the Parks

Di Anne Price plays the Shell

My friend Mark Jones reposted some news of bygone days from the Commercial Appeal.

100 years ago: 1910

"Main Street retailers have petitioned the Park Commission to have a band concert every Saturday night in Court Square. The businessmen point out that music will induce people to come downtown and will improve business Saturday night."

How lucky are we to have the Shell doing the same thing for Overton Park? Tons new people have been introduced to the beauty of our park thanks to the free concert series at the Shell.

Please remember, though, that the concerts aren't really free. The Levitt foundation is making a donation for the first five years, but that only covers about 25% of the current season. If we want this great music to continue, we need to support our shell and make a donation to help them get great bands.

This year's season starts May 21st. Come on out, bring the blanket and a group of friends, and put something in the bucket.

By the way, don't you miss the Park Commission? I wish we still had that layer of protection for our city parks. The recreation opportunities they provided (concerts in a bandstand, athletic leagues, etc.) were a real benefit to the city.