Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

If you enjoy upbeat dance music and oldies tunes, Garden City's Music in the Park is for you. The free event will take place Thursday evening, August 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening's entertainment, Steve King and the Dittlies, will perform a variety of popular music at the Main Pavilion in Garden City Park.

The free concert is the city's third annual event, and is presented by the Garden City Business Alliance (GCBA). This year the event has a new organizer, Alan Bennett. Bennett is usually demonstrating his skills at putting together a performance as the Technical Director at Garden City High School's Theater Program. Also a member of the GCBA, Bennett will demonstrate his capability at coordinating the outdoor music event and allowing the main event to take center stage. He looks forward to handling an outdoor venue and adds, "It's amazing how many people you meet that say, 'I didn't know Garden City had a park,' Really?"

Also on hand for the event will be a variety of food vendors. Bennett says that since the event is happening around dinner time, he has arranged for food vendors who will be selling more than just popcorn and snow cones. A few vendors will have dinner-type items available. The evening would be a great night out for a busy working couple. Bennett adds, "We need people from Westland, Dearborn, Romulus, Livonia, Inkster, everywhere around, to come into Garden City and enjoy this great night of listening to music under the stars." Attendees are encouraged to bring either lawn chairs or blankets. Coolers and adult beverages will be permitted.

Local residents enjoy a night out at Music in the Park in Garden City

Bennett adds that sponsors of the event are what make it possible. In addition to sponsors in various ranges, the two presenting sponsors this year are Schoolcraft College and Don Nicholson Enterprises. He also adds that 16 volunteers from the GCBA will be on hand to help make the evening go smoothly for everyone. "I want everybody to have a good time, I want them to enjoy it," he says. Last year, Music in the Park drew roughly 1600 attendees. This year, Bennett hopes to see close to 2000 music lovers. "It keeps getting bigger and better every year, "he says.

Attendees are also encouraged to consider bringing a non-perishable or canned food item or two to donate to Garden City's HOME Pantry, which operates out of the Maplewood Community Center, to assist Garden City residents in need.