Portage Summer Music in the Park Concert Series returned to Woodland Park this evening, boasting soulful tunes and warm weather entertainment. The free concert series welcomes the public to attend musical events every Tuesday evening, from 6-7:30pm. This year marks the series’ 14th year showcasing acclaimed and emerging local performers. Much to the delight of spectators, the inaugural event featured the comedic talents of Jim Bulanda and Harley Hehr, popular Chicagoland singers, impressionists and entertainment aficionados.
Channeling classic crooners Frank Sinatra, Roy Orbison, and Neil Diamond, among others, Bulanda and Hehr transported this evening’s audience to a time and place reminiscent of the golden era of Hollywood and the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Every face of every age smiled and sang along with the duo as they belted out nostalgic chart topping ballads in their "Salute to the Stars" tribute.
As the show progressed, comedy ensued. Enthralled with the Rat Pack pair and their impressions of Harry Caray and Dean Martin, the audience members couldn’t help but indulge in their banter, laugh at their jokes, and dance to their toe-tapping tunes. Whether repeat attendees, or visiting the summer concert series for the first time, from 6-7:30pm, all present relished in the upbeat atmosphere of the performance.
“It’s great entertainment, it’s a lot of memories, it’s just overall good music,” said audience member Bob Kremke, when asked what he thought of the show.
Speaking to the success of Bulanda and Hehr, and their role in the summer concert series, organizer Terry Hardin had only kind words to say: "Everybody knows them, most people have seen them and they’re the kind of people folks see again and again. People never get tired of watching them, so they’re a big attraction.”
And it seems they’ve only added to the popularity of the free concert series! With an ever-expanding audience, averaging 200-300 each show, almost all performances have been moved to the larger of the two Woodland Park halls, Oakwood Grand Hall. With sixteen concerts in total scheduled for summer 2014, sponsors and contributors alike are hoping that the diverse line-up of entertainers, representing everything from 40’s & 50’s music, to swing, blues, contemporary and a Jimmy Buffet tribute, will continue to draw in Portage area families and other residents of Northwest Indiana.
“A lot of these folks have just come year after year after year, which is the whole idea. Every community wants to have fun things to do for the family and this is intended to be a family entertainment series. We encourage people to bring out their kids and grandkids, and their friends and families, neighbors and co-workers, and it’s worked. The audience is building and I think we need that in town. It’s good to see that so many people appreciate it," said Terry Hardin
*The Portage Summer Music in the Park is a collaborative effort between Portage Parks & Recreation, Portage Chamber of Commerce, and Portage Live Entertainment. The concerts would not be possible if it were not for generous donations from The John W. Anderson Foundation, Porter Health Systems, The Portage business community and various other citizen benefactors.
Click here for a more complete list of sponsors and a schedule of events
