HONESDALE, PA - The 53rd Summer Festival of Events, produced by the Wayne County Creative Arts Council, will launch on Thursday evening, June 17, at 7:30 p.m., with a performance by “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. They started a family while still playing whatever venues - night clubs, honky-tonks, social clubs, restaurants, weddings - might welcome their unique mixture of styles. Rose counts such women as Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt among her chief influences. 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. Lighten Up! also features Chip Forelli on bass and vocals, Andy Pace on drums and percussion, and Tommy Hamilton on saxophone. Chip is known in our area not only for his exceptional musicianship, playing with Bob Tellefson and other local musicians, but also for his professional photography and photographic restoration services (see chipforelli.com for more information). Andy has also played with the Hideout Blues Band, as well as national acts like Gary US Bonds and C&C Music Factory. Tommy is a staple of the jazz community in NEPA. CDC guidelines will be followed with masks required and spacing of family groups in the Park. All concerts (other than the Independence Day Celebration) will begin at 7:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, concerts may be moved to other locations. There is no admission charge to the Summer Festival events, but free-will donations are gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be available for purchase from Tubby’s Food Truck, but attendees can also bring their own food. (No alcohol or smoking, please.) Bring a blanket or chair for seating. For more information, contact Project Manager Mitzi Kielar at (570) 785-3674, or find WCCAC online via Facebook or at www.honesdaleparkevents.org.