They weren’t disappointed. The La Cañada Flintridge Community Band provided a cymbal-crashing crescendo of Broadway, big band and marching band tunes designed to accompany the carefree community gathering on a cool summer night.
“This is a great way to spend a Sunday evening,” said Gary Dennis, pastor at La Cañada Presbyterian Church. Dennis and his wife, Sara, have been attending concerts at Music in the Park for many of the 18 years they’ve lived in La Cañada. “We enjoy being able to do something with our grandchildren, see old friends and enjoy some good music,” he said.
The couple’s 23-month-old granddaughters, Cori and Codi, ran to get a closer listen to the instruments, causing a merry chase for their 11-year-old church friends Alissa and Taylor Winter, who also are twins, and were helping care for the toddlers during the concert.
“I’m having a lot of fun,” said Alissa, a Palm Crest Elementary School student, as she scooped up one of the little girls who were making their way toward the stage.
The lawns of the park were filled with couples and families, young singles and old timers. Some sipped wine and ate bread and cheese; others chewed fried chicken or sandwiches. Children bounced up and down, some playing ball games on the sidelines and others were up front by the gazebo stage, dancing to the sounds of the community band.
This was the tenth year the community band has performed at Music in the Park. The group practices together for about three weeks prior to the event, and will come together again on July 27 for an encore performance at Music in the Park.
