Richmond Recreation heats up summer with new concert series

Summer sounds in the city of Richmond will include music this year, as well as children’s laughter and the roar of big-screen movies, when Richmond Recreation rolls out its outdoor entertainment series.

Richmond Recreation Director Margo VanHove said the concerts in the park series is new this year, and sponsored by EZ Solutions in Richmond.

“No cost, just bring a chair or blanket,” VanHove said via email.

Concerts will be held on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Beebe Street Park pavilion. The park is located at 69310 Beebe Street in Richmond.

VanHove said this year’s bands were chosen via an entertainment company.

“These two came highly recommended,” VanHove said.

The first concert will be the American Ages band on June 26, performing a mix of classic rock, country and pop songs. On Aug. 28 the Gary Greenfelder Big Band will perform. This group includes a 13-piece band as well as a vocalist.

VanHove said she is now accepting demos from bands for consideration of future summer concerts at parksandrec@comcast.net.

“We will put them in a file for summer 2025,” VanHove said.

Richmond Recreation will also keep kids busy this summer with the free Children’s Entertainment Series, offering everything from magicians to animals. The free events will be held rain or shine at the Beebe Street Park pavilion, each starting at 11 a.m.

“No registration required, just show up at the pavilion,” VanHove said.

On June 20, The Reptarium interactive reptile zoo from Utica will offer its Bring the Zoo to You program. The presentation includes a variety of different animals.

Ventriloquist Richard Paul will perform on July 25, providing a show that combines puppetry and comedy as well as audience interaction.

On Aug. 14, kids can see a variety of service and emergency vehicles up close during the Kids, Trucks and Tractors event in Beebe Street Park. VanHove expects participating vehicles to include a dump truck, garbage trucks, fire trucks, an ambulance, and police vehicles.

Magician Gary Thison is expected to perform on Aug. 22.

The free Movies in the Park series starts off with “Barbie” on June 22, starting at dusk. The rain date for this film will be June 29. The film “Twister” will be shown on July 20, starting at dusk. The rain date will be July 27. “Jurassic World” will be shown on Aug. 17 starting at dusk. The rain date for this movie will be Aug. 24. The carefully selected films will be shown at Beebe Street Park behind the community center, with seating on the lawn, according to VanHove.

“We choose from a catalog that is sent by our licensing company, with help from a committee,” VanHove said.

Nicole Tuttle is a freelance reporter for The Voice.