Beith tribute among highlights of Franklin concert schedule

Posted By: VenangoExtra.com April 27, 2023

From staff reports

The sound of summer will return to downtown Franklin on Thursday, June 6, when the city will launch its summer outdoor concert schedule with the first of more than 40 musical programs.

Thursday night concerts return this year to Bandstand Park, where they will be held at 7 p.m. from June 1 to Aug. 31.

The Aug. 31 program that will wrap up the season will be a tribute concert to Ronnie Beith, the city’s events and marketing coordinator who died April 1.

“Ronnie had a special relationship with so many of our performers; she was a coach, a mentor, a cheerleader…and now they want to do something to honor her memory,” said Pat Dolecki, president of the Franklin Fine Arts Council.

The Thursday night concerts, free to the public, feature the well-known Silver Cornet Band, as well as a variety of other musicians and performers. People are invited to bring their chairs and blankets.

“The summer concerts are something people have come to love and look forward to,” said Franklin community development director Amanda Power. “We have a variety of musicians from the area, and they play different genres of music. There really is something for everyone.”

Another concert series, Alfresco Fridays, has a full lineup of live music this year featuring regional bands and artists performing at both Bella Cucina and Benjamin’s Roadhouse on Liberty Street.

Concerts will be held Fridays from June 2 to Aug. 25, and they will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Benjamin’s and 6 p.m. at Bella Cucina, and will end at 8:30 p.m.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at Alfresco Fridays, but they will be available for purchase.

The Taste of Talent vocal competition is also returning this year to Bandstand Park. The competition is open to individual soloists ages 16 and up.

Taste of Talent will kick off during the Fourth of July festivities week on Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. in Bandstand Park. Competitions will be held every Wednesday through July 26.

Then the semifinals will take place Saturday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m., and the finals will be held Sunday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m.

The summer concerts are presented by the Franklin Fine Arts Council, and sponsors include Mike and Joyce Hughes and the Franklin Oil Region Credit Union.

Detailed information on the concerts may be found on the city’s website at www.franklinpa.gov/events.

Anyone with questions can call Franklin City Hall at (814) 437-1922.