HONESDALE, PA - After a year-long hiatus prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, the Wayne County Creative Arts Council (WCCAC) is pleased to announce that the “Summer Festival of Events” will return to Central Park in Honesdale for seven weeks of biweekly outdoor concerts, featuring something for nearly every musical taste.

“Having a year off has made us much more appreciative of live music,” said local musician, teacher, and music store owner Dave Figura, who books the acts and runs the sound board during performances. “We're very excited about the new groups, and can't wait to see everyone at the park again!”

On Thursday, June 17, the band Lighten Up! will start the season on a positive note - many of them, in fact! Guitarists/vocalists Randy and Rose Light, bassist Chip Forelli, and friends will present an uplifting mix of classic rock, blues, swing, country, and more. (You can find more information about the band at www.facebook.com/Lightenuppa.)

Summer officially kicks off on Monday, June 21, with a bubbling-hot gumbo of blues and soul music, served up with a New Orleans flavor by the “funky, soulful and unique” group The Barn Cats. (thembarncats.com)

The Little Big Band Group (thelittlebigbandgroup.com), led by Bruce Dedrick, brings some swinging arrangements of big-band hits and contemporary tunes to share on Thursday, June 24.

For years, The Poets were the go-to party and wedding band for NEPA, but stopped performing a couple of years ago. On Monday, June 28, two of the original Poets, the Luongo Brothers, Pat and Nick, will bring back the magic with their WCCAC debut. (www.facebook.com/ Luongo-Brothers-Band-174625109843093) As an added attraction, they will share the evening with young, award-winning Elvis Presley tribute artist, Gino Mercuri. (www.facebook.com/GinoMercuriETA)

This year's Independence Day Celebration will be held on Friday, July 2nd, and will feature jazz and other great American music from Doug Smith's Band. (www.lexingtonentertainment.org/home.html) Fireworks at dusk will be sponsored by the Greater Honesdale Partnership, and there will be vendors selling food and novelties as well. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Saturday, July 3, and The Fabulous 45's (featuring members of popular local oldies band Flashback) will perform.

The Fabulous 45's are scheduled to perform Monday, July 5. In the event that we have to use the rain date, Doug Smith's Band will perform on July 5 instead.

Local homegrown (and still growing!) family band, The Pharm, will be onstage on Thursday, July 8, sharing gorgeous harmonies and classic folk, rock and country songs.

July 12 will bring a very special concert featuring a nationally-known act coming all the way from Nashville, TN. The Farm Hands, a multi-award-winning gospel bluegrass band, are led by world-class dobro player Tim Graves. (farmhandsmusic .com)

On Thursday, July 15, perennial favorites The Irish Balladeers will return to share their special mix of Irish songs and stories of Irish and Irish-American history.

Monday, July 19 will feature extraordinary vocalist Ekat Pereyra and Friends, and Thursday, July 22 will bring back the stupendous high-energy musicianship of the Gypsy Jazz Quintet.

In another major WCCAC debut, contemporary blues legend Clarence Spady (clarencespadyband.com) will bring his unique style to the Fasshauer Stage on Monday, July 26.

The season ends on a high note on Thursday, July 29, with a performance by The Old Time Fiddlers, led by Steve Jacobi. This can't-miss concert is always a highlight of the season!

Mitzi Kielar, Project Manager for the WCCAC, is excited about the coming season. “I'm so looking forward to continuing this Wayne County tradition of music in the Park and seeing everyone again,” she says.

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.