Music in Park concert to raise funds for Ukraine

HARRISTON – A local group is planning an evening concert in a park here on Sept. 2.

Music in the Park will be held at the IODE Park on John Street North, located across from the Lions Medical Centre, beginning at 7pm.

The concert, organized by music teacher Joan Hendershot and local resident Joy Murray, will feature a variety of live music performances in various genres, including pop and county songs, as well as tunes from musicals.

An audience sing-along will also be part of the evening.

Performers will include a community instrumental trio and some local music students.

Trio musicians are Hendershot on flute, Michael Kalynak on violin and Beverley Hopwood on cello. The trio plays a variety of classical and contemporary music.

Kalynak is of Ukrainian descent and has relatives who live in Ukraine. He is currently involved in a local support program for Ukrainians - Ukrainian Friends in West Grey and Area. During the concert, the trio will also be playing the Ukrainian national anthem.

The concert is free but donations will be accepted for the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

In addition to Hendershot and Murray, singers at the concert will include Raechel Weed, Sean Weed and Keely Murray.

The concert is open to everyone of all ages. Attendees are urged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Rain date for the concert is Sept. 3 at 7pm.

“After these past couple of years with very limited live performances there is going to be live music in the park. This park location with the gazebo and the river and parking  is ideal for a concert,” stated Hendershot in an email to the Community News.