Music in the Park:

Sunday’s Music in the Park was rocked by the fittingly titled Hot August Night, a Neil Diamond cover band. The lawn was filled to capacity, and many had a hard time finding space.

“I couldn’t find a parking space anywhere!” said James Glassman of Montrose, who came with his 5-year-old twins Hailey and Christina. “I’ve never seen it so crowded here — we had to park 10 blocks away.” Longtime La Cañadans Molly and Neal Brockmeyer had only come to Music in the Park once before, “three years before, when the Neil Diamond impersonator was here the last time,” said Molly. The couple’s two grandchildren, Paige, 4, and Sydney, 2, couldn’t resist the tunes, and were dancing out front for most of the show.

Some came exclusively for their favorite Neil Diamond songs, while others were just committed attendees to the concert series. “We try to come every time Sunday,” said Dorothy Abercrombie, who was there with husband John. The two, who are celebrating their 55th anniversary this year, enjoy “relaxing outside, being with others, and the free entertainment,” and Dorothy added jokingly, “With the senior discount, it’s free!”

Two charities tried to cash in on the successful turnout. Attendees had the choice between root beer floats supporting the Pediatric Trauma Program and pastries for Share Strength’s Great American Bake Sale. La Cañada High School’s Key Club and Kiwanis Club sell food at Music in the Park every summer to support the program, which helps train doctors, said volunteer Robert Ha. Share Strength, however, was here for the first time, said Grace Yun, a student at LCHS.

Hot August Night, named after a Neil Diamond album, features Dean Colley who has been a Diamond impersonator since 1998. Colley got the crowd moving with a sing along of “Song Sung Blue,” with help from a 4-year-old girl, a dog, and many in attendance.

Friends Mary Jo and Ed Blatchley, John and Sharon Hubanks and Rae Ann Mertz, all Neil Diamond fans, thought that Colley was “really great” and “just like the real thing.” The Hubanks, who are regulars at Music in the Park, love “the community spirit, friendly atmosphere, and meeting people” every week.

Next week’s free concert will feature local band the Bluegrass Billionaires, performing traditional bluegrass tunes.