The program will also include ultimate margarita lessons and beer-tasting tips from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. and a parrothead photo fashion show all in the island music spirit.
Programs will last from 45 minutes to an hour. The shows can be viewed at www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org or www.Facebook.com/SpringfieldArtsCouncil.
MORE: Coronavirus: Clark County workplace outbreaks beginning to stabilize, health commissioner says
Arts Council executive director Tim Rowe, staff and board members worked to come up with a variety of entertainment experiences for all ages.
“It’s a little distraction, something to watch at home,” said Rowe. “This isn’t replacing the experience of the Summer Arts Festival but a fun way to remember these events.”
The Lawn Chair Series title stems from the idea that people can take their tablet or laptop and hit their backyard, porch, patio or other such area, grab a cold beverage or bite to eat and enjoy the entertainment.
An original premiere show will be 5 p.m. July 10. “Sticky Note” was to be performed live at the Summer Arts Festival prior to its cancellation. It was written by Youth Arts Ambassador Eleni Linardos with music by Ambassador Tim Compston and performed by the Ambassadors, youngsters in grades 7-12.
Another familiar Veteran’s Park event will be modified with “A Virtual Sip of Summer” at 5 p.m. July 15. Doug Hill will offer tips for beers and wines. Viewers can settle back and enjoy their own beverages to the music of Mother’s Socially Distanced Jazz Trio.
EARLIER: Coronavirus: Summer Arts Festival in Springfield canceled for first time in 54 years
Family fun will come in the form of “KidsFest - Digital Edition” at noon, July 25. Experiences that come with that annual event will include an act by magician/ventriloquist Mike Hemmelgarn, along with projects from the Springfield Museum of Art, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, National Trail Parks and Recreation and the Youth Arts Ambassadors.
Another special event will round out the series at 5 p.m. July 29 with a concert by Naturally 7, an a cappella group that recreates the sound of a full band with just its voices for instruments. Naturally 7 has toured the world supporting Michael Buble and Coldplay and was voted Best Vocal Group on the series “World’s Best with James Corden.”
A timely part of the presentation will be a new video for the group’s original song “I Need Air (I Can’t Breathe)” based on a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach which can be interpreted in a new way in the video, which depicts the group performing along with scenes from recent protests inspired by the death of George Floyd.
MORE: Springfield police see ‘dramatic increase’ in fireworks reports, others do not
Rowe said the Arts Council is also looking at another potential event later in the summer and hopes this series will be a way for people to stay entertained during an unusual time.
“We’re glad we can do things to be in contact with our audience. They mean a lot to us and we appreciate their support in this time,” he said.
About the Author