The Seventh Annual Claris Construction Inc Summer Jam Concert Series, through Newtown’s Parks & Recreation Department, kicked off the evening of July 9 with a lawn full of guests at Dickinson Park.

Karen and Chuck Golder stood with their young son, Dylan, as he danced on the park's lawn where the band Rolie Polie Guacamole entertained dozens of children and parents.

Balloons bounced as children chased them closer to the bandshell, drawn by the prompts of band members. “Good evening,” they said. “Good Evening.”

They asked their audience to start “clapping feet,” “Are we supposed to clap our sheep?” Some children shouted, “Hands!”

Band members said, “The sky is purple; the sky is pink.”

Children responded, “Blue.” The band members asked one another, “Are they saying the sky is two? Oh, the sky is blue.”

Beginning another playful song, the band sang, “So we wake up in the morning and brush our sheep?” Some children corrected them, saying, “Teeth!”

“We brush with what?” the band asked. “A toothbrush?”

One young voice said, “It’s a stick with bristles.”

The band said, “Oh, brush your teeth.”

Most parents had set up blankets on the lawn in the shade, while their children ran to stand close to the band, its members leading them in clapping, jumping, and interacting with the songs.

Enjoying the concert from a blanket were Adeline, Elliot, and Noah Dickinson, with a blanket set close to the stage.

The series continues weekly for five additional weeks. Upcoming scheduled performances include Vanessa Trien and The Jumping Monkeys on July 16; Tom Weber on July 23; Al Decant with guest Jill Kubeck on July 30; Steve Songs on August 6; and a movie night on August 13 (movie TBA). Performances are at Dickinson Park, 50 Elm Drive, from 6 to 7 pm. Admission is free.

For more information, call 203-270-4340 or find [naviga:u]Newtown Parks and Recreation on Facebook[/naviga:u].