Final Dickinson Concert

Dedicated To Little Campers

Every summer there are children who want to attend the local Parks & Recreation Department’s summer camp, but who are left out of the fun and comradery because the expense is simply not affordable for their parents or caregivers. And even with a nominal scholarship fund, the money to help these children have some fun in the sun typically runs out before all the requests are filled.

So for the second summer in a row, Parks & Rec has reserved its final summer concert at Dickinson Park, Friday, August 25, as an opportunity to replenish that scholarship fund with the goal of raising enough money so every child can enjoy a week of camp next summer.

Depending on the age of eligible youths, the cost for one week of camp runs from $275 to $365 per child. Last year’s fundraiser provided enough donations to send at least four youths to camp for one week on scholarship.

The final concert will feature sets from Newtown musicians Tanya Parker, and a duo starring Joe Proc and Julie Ketchum that combines their names, calling themselves Jolie. The balance of the evening’s entertainment will come from the Newtown Allstars featuring Newtown percussionist Andrew Mangold, bassist Jon Concilio, guitarist Brendan Walsh, and Newtown Bee Associate Editor John Voket on guitar and vocals.

The fundraiser was envisioned by Mr Voket and initiated by Parks & Rec staff, who hope it will become a well-attended annual wrap-up to the local summer park showcase, which features primarily local bands.

“Having worked with other nonprofits on summer camp projects before — particularly with the Salvation Army — I learned that even a week away at camp for a child can greatly enhance social skills, nurtures self-respect, builds character, and generally improves his or her sense of self within a greater community,” Mr Voket said.

According to the American Camp Association, campers’ parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible.

“These are qualities we all value, and to think there are children right here in Newtown who want to go to camp and can’t afford it is all the more reason to spread the word and get people out to this final concert of the season,” Mr Voket added. “Bring a few bucks or a check to stuff in the collection jars, along with your snacks or picnic dinner and make an evening out of it.”

Singer and proud left-handed guitarist Tanya Parker has been writing since she was 8 years old and performing since she was 15, mostly singing lead. She has fronted various bands. including Midnight Rodeo, Ol’scool, Band Camp, and Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot.

She was a part of the Austin, Texas, music scene before moving to Connecticut six years ago, and has most recently been seen hosting local open mic nights. Her musical influences range from Reba McIntyre, the Allman Brothers, and Gov’t Mule to Sugarland, Martina McBride, and Kenny Loggins.

Jolie performs a range of covers and originals. Joe Proc and Julie Ketchum’s original music is influenced by diverse acts like Fleetwood Mac, Norah Jones, Carole King, Alicia Keys, The Beatles, Cat Stevens, and Bob Marley.

Mr Proc has taught guitar and bass for more than 30 years. He performs and writes music proficiently and has coached students whose goal is to sing while playing an instrument. A lifelong musician, he plays guitar and bass, is a DJ entertainer, vocalist, band leader, luthier, and guitar collector.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Julie Ketchum is no stranger to show business. She starting her singing career at a mere 3 years old, and began playing the piano at just 5. She was featured in several musical productions throughout her childhood, including House at Pooh Corner, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Peter Pan (the latter in which she played clarinet in the pit orchestra). While in junior high school, Julie won several first places in the Monroe County Fair talent shows and consequently made it to the finals at the New York State Fair.

Ms Ketchum won her first community talent show in 1989. She attended the State University of New York at Potsdam’s Crane School of Music where she participated in several choral ensembles and was featured as a soloist in The African-American Heritage Concert in 1992.

She began performing professionally in New York shortly after graduating college in 1993. She continues to sing with a number of popular groups in the region and has also shared the stage with entertainers such as The Village People, The Pointer Sisters, Roberta Flack, and members of Kool and the Gang.

The Newtown Allstars combines the talents of the Impromptu Trio, who have most recently played several Sunday afternoon shows on the deck at demitasse cafe in Sandy Hook, and the percussion of Mr Mangold, who is a full-time student at Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass.

Their setlist includes popular songs from Van Morrison, Dave Mason, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Snow Patrol, and a medley of popular 80s tunes. The August 25 concert is free to attend, begins at 6:30 and ends at 8 pm at Dickinson Memorial Park.

In the event of rain, the concert will be held under the pavilion.