By Tom Winters
Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss recently announced a lineup of free concerts and shows at the centerpiece of the village arts venues, the Memorial Park Amphitheater.
In a second full season of entertainment, the concerts are presented in a picnic-like atmosphere. The schedule includes original musical acts, tribute bands and dramatic performances between June 25 and Sept. 15.
The performances, mostly Friday and Saturday evenings, provide a family-friendly environment with professional entertainers. Patrons use their own lawn chairs and blankets in festival style seating sprawled across the park’s great lawn behind the Mineola Memorial Library.
After years of planning, budget and construction, the amphitheater boasts one of the largest outdoor stages in Nassau County (ranking closely behind the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park).
The amphitheater received national award recognition for architecture and planning for communities of its size and population. It has modern acoustics and lighting systems.
This year the village has diversified its schedule by adding a movie night and dramatic productions to its staple music groups.
The calendar features music from the 1950’s through today as well as genres from pop to classical to rhythm & blues.
Drama will feature a broad array of productions. Standards such as the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra and the original doo wop band The Capris (‘60s hits “Moon Out Tonight” and “Morse Code of Love”) present a blend of contemporary hits from their respective eras.
Tribute bands representing the hits of Bruce Springsteen, the Beatles, Chicago, Boston and Simon & Garfunkel also dot the marquee. Theme nights include Motown, Top 40 and dance fare. Certain performances are followed by a fireworks show.
The program is funded through the village budget. The concert series last year had consistent attendance, resulting in its renewal for another season.`
A list of shows with dates and times is posted on the Village of Mineola website at http://mineola-ny.gov/Pages/MineolaNY_WebDocs/Events under 2018 Summer Concerts in the Park schedule.
