Big bands along with dogs bring big fun to Walnut Beach

By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

July 29, 2008 04:02 pm

— ASHTABULA — The brassy sound of the Don Burns Orchestra tooted and popped Sunday at Big Bands on the Beach at Walnut Beach, the sure sound of summer fun.
Big Bands on the Beach is a free concert series aimed at bringing more people to Walnut Beach. The next concert will be 4 p.m. Aug. 24 with the Tony Esposito Band.
Timothy Kalil said the 2008 concert series has been a spectacular success.
“The weather has been picture-perfect,” Kalil said. “The crowds have been big, and the bands have been wonderful. This is Americana personified. This is as good as it gets.”
Ashtabula Police Officer Rodney Blaney demonstrated police dogs and dog obedience with his canine partner Harley. The U.S. Army Color Guard presented colors at the beginning of the concert.
On Aug. 24, the Edgewood Senior High School majorettes will kick off football season with a performance, and Ashtabula County Commissioner Joseph Moroski will be the master of ceremonies.

“The community is really getting involved in the concerts,” Kalil said. “People look forward to this; they are marking their calendars and getting ready to sing and dance and tap their toes.”
Kalil said high gas prices also have kept people close to home this summer and homespun entertainment has been essential to the community.
“Some people can’t afford to travel, so they stay home and look for that local entertainment. Here the music is free, and the water and the playground make the concerts a family event,” he said.