HONESDALE, PA — The 2023 Summer Festival of Events, produced by the Wayne County Creative Arts Council, continues on Thursday evening, June 29, at 7:30 PM, with a performance by local band “Lighten Up!” This band places a heavy emphasis on tight vocal harmony, and features a repertoire drawn from a wide spectrum of blues, swing, rockabilly, and bluegrass music, reflecting the rich and varied backgrounds of the performers.

Experienced street musicians Randy and Rose Light met in Athens, OH more than 30 years ago, and have been playing music together ever since.

Randy’s exposure to swing and jazz began at an early age - his mother was a leader of a Dixieland band. He later studied mandolin with Jethro Burns (of “Homer and Jethro” fame), and has opened concerts for such performers as John Hartford, Leo Kottke, Mickey Gilley, and Bobby Bare. Rose counts women like Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt among her chief influences. 

Lighten Up! also features: saxophone player Tom Hamilton, a fixture in the Scranton jazz scene; drummer Andy Pace, a veteran of the famous hitmakers C & C Music Factory; and bass player Firp Edmunds, who has toured with Jimi Hendrix’ bassist Noel Redding.

Attendees should bring a chair or blanket. Fresh ice cream from Creamworks will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, please listen to 95.3FM or 105.3FM for announcements, or check out the WCCAC’s webpage (www.honesdaleparkevents.org). 

Summer Festival of Events concerts are partially funded by public donations (including a free will collection at each concert), and a grant from the Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau.