The Observation Deck

"Little Known Fact" kicked off the summer concert series at Sinagra Park.

Tonight was the lick of of LIA/Mainstreet's Band2gether, and I thought it was a great kick off for the weekend.



A nice crowd came together as the music started. In the audience were many musicians that were really impressed by the bands, and thought the venue was fun and perfect for this event. Though Tony Sinagra thought it would outgrow Sinagra Park soon. "Jim as long as I get to here at least one Fats Domino song this summer here I will be happy."



As the music starts more and more people kept coming.



LIA's table where they are selling Band2gether Ts.

This is one of the most fun things the Lakewood Observer has had the pleasure of being involved in. Great works and big kudos to Lakewood Is Art, especially Ruthie Koenigsmark, Barbara Michel, and DL Meckes. Mainstreet and Mary Ann Crampton, Chris Vance and Vance Music, The Lakewood Hospital, Cox Communications, and all the other sponsors and workers. I think we can all agree it was well worth it.

To Tony and Lucy Sinagra, and the Sinagra Family thanks for the help kicking off this series.

I hope to see all of you next Friday.


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That first band was Little Known Fact and they were wonderful. Trancemitter played the second set with all original material.

I thought this was going to be fun, but I had not attended the auditions and I really had no idea just how good these bands were going to be.

These musicians were incredible.

A Fabulous Waste of Time and Back for More are playing next week.

If the rest of the concert series is as strong as the first, we have an unbelievable hit on our hands.

Thanks for mentioning me, Jim, but I really had nothing to do with this. All I did was stand around and enjoy the music.

Do not miss next week's show. Bring chairs. We have six more concerts to go and I can't wait for the next.

We're going to have videos of the performances up soon. Thanks to the sponsors, this is an amazing concert series.

dl meckes wrote: I thought this was going to be fun, but I had not attended the auditions and I really had no idea just how good these bands were going to be.

These musicians were incredible.

I think the quality took many by surprise. I am shocked that "Trancemitter" was playing original music, that was very solid stuff.

Again huge Kudos to Lakewood is Art, Mainstreet, Lakewood Hospital, Chris Vance and everyone involved in this. Also a tip of the hat To Lakewood's Park Department, a very professional and fun group to work with, as always. Also thanks to the Lakewood Police.

Next week bring chairs, get dinner to go at one of the many local spots, like Dave's Cosmic Subs, The Souper Market, Chipotle, The Melt, and enjoy the concert.

Events like these make a city enjoyable and fun. Get off your asses and support these concerts.

This was a very large step in the right direction.


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Then they started dancing in the streets and parks!

I am adding more photos to my July photo blog.



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Dad and I raised a few eyebrows for starting a summer program called "Folk-Rock Fun" up at Harding around 1969. For quite a while, those trying to support young people with alternate forms of music often had a hard time, as youth music was obviously (gasp) different from the grownups'.

There are numerous benefits to be attained in assisting young people with their music. Bands help to develop vocational business training, people skills, teamwork, and organization, in addition to the obvious musical talents involved.

Providing a constructive program outlet for young people interested in the world of music can only provide dividends to our community, whether that musical outlet be mainstream, or modern. Young people need positive and affirmative outlets to express their talents and interests. With this activity, along with the Lakewood Project, and so many other musical activities in the Lakewood Schools, our community really shines musically!

For that matter, providing constructive outlets for young people with other aspects of their interests, whether that would be with sports like softball, baseball, basketball, (let's think about getting those hoops back UP) or with our fine new library; all this contributes to the quality of life in our community.

Last night's program was fantastic! (although I'm sorry that I needed to leave before the second act) The music was great, the people obviously had an outstanding time, and good clean fun in the streets was had in abundance.

Great job on the part of all concerned! Looking forward to next week!

I had breakfast with a friend and her daughter today. They stopped by when they were driving and saw the crowd.

They told me how good the bands were and how nice it was to see this type of event.

Good job all.

Great pics and great fun!