Annual event features different band every Saturday in June, July
The Summer Concert Series kicked off Saturday at Finlay Park with Groovetown playing a variety of popular hits. This was the first concert of the summer series,in its 21st year. The series presents a concert at 8 p.m. every Saturday through June and July. Each weekend, a band will perform and will feature various genres of music. Next weekend, Sly Dog will bring some Southern rock to Finlay Park.
The featured band this week, Groovetown, performed a great collection of hits from all eras. The band consisted of six members playing various instruments, including the trumpet, saxophone, keyboard, drums and guitar. They played hits from Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” to Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” and even Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” The band originates from Raleigh, N.C. and frequently plays specials events such as weddings and other functions. They have a wide-ranging set list full of oldies, R&B, ’70s disco, ’80s retro, modern rock and even hip-hop.
Each member donned matching sparkly silver suits that fit their energy, even on the hot summer night. They performed with great enthusiasm and never stopped engaging the crowd, from young to old, and persuading them to get up and dance. The vocalist even made his way into the crowd during “Cupid Shuffle” and danced with some ladies having a good time on the dance floor. It wasn’t just the vocalist holding the spotlight — two members playing the trumpet and sax came out to play in the middle of the dancing crowd.
The band did a great job of maintaining the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm. Kids were having fun throwing a football or kicking a soccer ball, hanging out in the playground and even dancing, while parents sat in lawn chairs listening to the music. The concert series provides a family-friendly atmosphere, and everyone seemed to have a good time last Saturday. Local food vendors provided hot dogs, fresh lemonade, snow cones and other summer treats to the crowd.
Many in the audience attend the series every year, but the concert also drew fresh faces to Finlay Park such as, Amy Horsley.
“I never knew Columbia threw any kind of events here at this park,” Horsley said. “It’s my first time ever coming here, but I plan on coming back. This is a pretty cool park to just hang out.”
The Summer Concert Series runs through Saturday, July 30 at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. No pets or glass are allowed.