Mark your calendars for fun – and free entertainment – the next three Sunday nights as the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission presents its RiverPark Summer Series lineup.
The Summer Series events will be held at 6 p.m. July 13, July 20 and July 27 at RiverPark, located at North River Lane and Peyton Street just north of State Street.
Ryan Hobbs of Geneva will kick-off the Summer Series July 13 with a “Celebration of American Music,” including the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the “Navy Hymn.” He and his brass band also will feature the American composers Sousa, Greenleaf and Gershwin as well as some unique surprises. The Northside Brass Band consists of Hobbs, trumpet/founder; Kevin Wood, trumpet; Kelly Langenberg, french horn; Graham Middleton, trombone; and Jim Langenberg, tuba.
The free programs will take place at RiverPark’s stone Amphitheater along the Fox River. Patrons can bring lawn chairs, blankets or even a picnic dinner. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved inside to the Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St.
On July 20, the Fumee Gypsy Jazz Project will step back in time to 1930s Paris. Playing gypsy standards and guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt originals with fresh vocals, the audience will revel in an evening of vintage swing music. The Fumee Gypsy Jazz Project is comprised of Christy Bennett on vocals accompanied by Casey Nielsen, guitar; Gabriel Datcu, guitar; and Christian Dillingham, bass and accordion.
Genevan Mary Jean Bankmann and her “Need to Be Seen” Troupe will return this year with another stellar performance of Live Radio Theatre July 27. Patrons will recall the golden age of radio when people had to use their imagination to picture the action being told through their speakers. Local talent will present authentic radio scripts using various voices and sound effects. The audience will enjoy old-time stories told by the likes of “Ozzie and Harriett” and “Riley.”
For more information about the RiverPark Summer Series or the Cultural Arts Commission, visit the City’s website (see link below) or www.riverparkofgeneva.com.