Panacea & Friends will be combining talents with the Willie-Portera Trio for their annual Labor Day Weekend concert/dance at the pavilion of Dickinson Memorial Park, 50 Elm Drive, on Sunday, September 1.

Live music will be performed from 2 to 6 pm that afternoon.

Special guests will include Jim Clark on sax, drummer Tony Traina, guitarist Jim Lynch, and keyboardist Christian Martirano.

Although Panacea & Friends hosted “The Final Panacea Reunion” last September, there were so many requests from people who plan on the annual get-together, that Panacea members and siblings Leslie and Corky Ballard decided to do at least one more reunion. Along with the Ballards, the original Panacea band lineup included Newtowners Rick Kuhn, Mat Harris, Jon Dodson, and Bruce Tibbitts.

In 2013, organizers of the Great Newtown Reunion/”A Day of Healing” invited Panacea to reunite to close out the event, adding some warm memories for many attendees. Band members returned to Newtown from all over the country to play together for the first time in 50 years. Performers and attendees alike enjoyed the band reunion so much, Panacea continued to host informal annual reunions at Dickinson Park for the next 10 years.

This year, the Newtown High School Class of 1974 will be in attendance for their 50th Reunion (info text/call 910-664-3056), and the Class of 1976 plans to gather in the pavilion (see class Facebook page).

Weenie Lynne’s food truck will be serving all day, with some vegetarian choices, too. Guests are welcome to bring beverages, but grilling is not allowed.

Those planning to attend are also reminded that the Town of Newtown does not permit alcohol or pets in the park.

Nonperishable items will be collected for Panacea’s Annual Bridget Seaman FAITH Food Pantry Drive. (See FAITH webpage for list of needs.) This year, the band will also donate any proceeds from donations to two causes close to home: Sandy Hook Promise and Ability Beyond. Each donor’s name will be included with the donation.

Check The Newtown Bee for updates.

Leslie Ballard says she and her brother are looking forward to another performance.

“Bring your chairs, your good vibes, and your dancin’ shoes!” she said.