Roxbury Bandshell gearing up for free summer concert series

The sounds of music will soon be coming back to a Johnstown park.

The 18th annual AmeriServ Free Summer Concert Series will kick off Sunday and run Sundays through Sept. 8 at the Roxbury Bandshell, Franklin Street, Johnstown.

“We are getting ready for an unforgettable lineup this year of live music and entertainment,” said Mary Borkow, president of the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance. “We’re offering a variety of genres that ensures there’s something for everyone, and that’s our way of keeping our audience engaged. There really is something for everyone this year.”

The series will begin with its usual pre-Memorial Day slot Sunday, with oldies music from Krazy Kat Daddies at 3 p.m., followed by The Ole 97 – Johnny Cash Tribute at 5 p.m.

“We have such an eclectic group of performers every Sunday,” Borkow said. “It creates a lovely atmosphere, and everyone has such a wonderful time meeting up with friends. I get comments constantly from people asking when the concerts will be starting because they’re excited about it and look forward to it all summer.”

The concerts for the remainder of the summer will begin at 5 p.m., except for the season-ending concert Sept. 8, which will begin at 3 p.m. There will be no concerts on Labor Day weekend.

“Most is local talent, and performers get so much gratification out of attending and they love the audience,” Borkow said. “It gets their name out there and people get to enjoy their music.”

Concertgoers are encouraged to provide their own seating with lawn chairs and blankets.

Food provided by Tony’s Sub Shop will be available for purchase at each performance.

Throughout the series, concert hats, T-shirts and Roxbury Bandshell ornament bulbs will be available for purchase. There will also be 50/50 and raffle tickets at each concert.

Borkow said the concerts attract an average of 300 to 350 people each week.

“It just gets bigger and better every year,” Borkow said. “We hope people will come out to all of them because it’s such a treat. They’re free concerts, so you can come without a penny in your pocket and have a wonderful relaxing time.”

Proceeds will benefit the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance. To date, more than $650,000 has been invested into the Roxbury Bandshell preservation effort.

“We have incredible community support,” Borkow said. “The bandshell is a landmark and it’s a historical monument. It was built in 1936 and completed in 1939, and it’s the last surviving one in the United States.”

In case of inclement weather, a red flag will fly at the bandshell by 3:30 p.m., indicating that the Sunday concert has been canceled.

Information also will be posted on the Roxbury Bandshell Facebook page and website at www.roxburybandshell.com.