Seven Nights of Free Family Fun at Parks Across Wilmington
The sixth annual Summer in the Parks program, in partnership with The Grand Opera House, is in full swing with evening concerts planned starting July 11.
Pamelyn Manocchio, The Grand’s Director of Community Engagement, is the producing coordinator for Summer in the Parks series. “I am thrilled to be working with so many talented artists again this year. We’re particularly excited to try out new programming, such as ‘Salsa in the Street,’ where all ages will be encouraged to learn Latin dancing and ‘Empowered Voices,’ which will feature inspirational spoken word artists and open the mic to audience participation. It’s all about getting the community involved, and we’re happy to create a unique way for youth and families to participate in the arts.”
“We are pleased to be continuing this innovative arts program in partnership with the City for the sixth consecutive summer,” said Fields. “Making interactive arts experiences available to neighborhood children is a wonderful way to introduce culture and personal expression, while fulfilling our community service mission. It’s even better that Summer in the Parks offers The Grand an opportunity to also promote the impressive work of colleague Wilmington artists and arts organizations. We are grateful for the vision of the City leadership in supporting this program.”
While The Grand serves as producer for the innovative program, it draws on a wide variety of artistic talent from Wilmington and the region. This year’s daytime artists include ASCAB Capoeira Delaware, Dance4Life, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Shakespeare, First State Ballet Theatre, Flyogi, Griots Wa Umoja, LaFate Gallery, Maya Belardo Music, Pieces of a Dream, TAHIRA Productions, The Delaware Contemporary and Wilmington Drama League.
A full schedule of activities can be found on The Grand’s website and calendar updates are posted to the Summer in the Parks Facebook page. All programs and schedules are contingent upon weather and subject to change.
Evening Music Events for Families
-
Wednesday, 7/11: Helen Chambers Playground (600 N. Madison Street)
Summer Jam, featuring live performances by Richard Raw, Mz Yola, Kae Hock, Aziza Nailah, and Beyond Those Bars Students plus music by DJ MikeNite. Live painting with Terrance Vann -
Tuesday, 7/17: Haynes Park (N. Franklin and W. 30th & 32nd Streets)
Village in Concert with Christina Cultural Arts Center Village together with Creative Vision Factory and special guest Olivia Rubini -
Wednesday, 7/18: Rodney Street Tot-Lot (4th & Rodney Streets)
Salsa in the Street, with DJ Bis; salsa instruction from Sara Jastrebski and Sarah Savery as well as art-making project with JaQuanne LeRoy -
Sunday, 7/22: Union Park Gardens (S. Bancroft Parkway & S. Sycamore Street)
Kids Night Out, featuring The Music School of Delaware’s M&M and Friends, plus “Become a Hero” capes with Vanity Constance and Mike Mixson -
Wednesday, 7/25: Stapler Park (W. 16th & N. Union Streets)
Rhythms at Play, featuring the Elbert-Palmer Drum Line with Peter Antony & Friends and “I See Seashells” art project with Stephanie Przybylek -
Monday, 7/30: Tilton Park (N. Franklin and W. 7th & 8th Streets)
Empowered Voices, with Kim “Metaphor” Graham hosting poetry/spoken word with Kaamilah Diabate, plus beaded rings with Gilda Jennings. -
Wednesday, 8/1: Holloway/Compton Park (7th & Lombard Streets)
Grand Finale with Fuzaholics and painting with Terrance Vann