First Posted: 7/6/2014

Back for its fourth Wednesday, the Lakeside Concert series returns with the collaborative musical talents of Doug Smith and Erin Malloy and Smith’s band. Both well-versed and talented artists live and work locally, though they have traveled extensively to pursue their individual careers.

Vocalist Malloy, a Scranton native, started her career in dance and theater, but now enjoys working as a freelance singer with many different local bands and teaching voice, dance and musical theater.

Smith, principally a bass violinist, has performed with dozens of famous artists as well as on various jazz albums, CDs, television and radio specials. He said his “main field of interest is totally improvised solo and group interactive music.”

The 100-acre Hillside Park, formerly known as Abington Area Community Park, has made many improvements in recent years for concertgoers to enjoy before and during the concerts. The Community Garden, Dog Park, Boundless Playground, handicapped-accessible boardwalk, Art Trail, nature trails, artificial turf field and pavilion have all brought people from the Abingtons together. More people from the community are encouraged use the park’s beautiful new features.

Besides these park amenities, the work of local artists will be on display. This week’s artist will be Gregory Pelly who will be showcasing original landscape paintings.

The Abington Lions will again have canoes available for concertgoers to enjoy on Lake Eston Wilson. This is the second year the Lions are supporting the concerts by selling classic summer cookout food. They are also coordinating the canoe rentals and donating a portion of the proceeds from both activities to support the concerts.

“Our [The Abington Lions’] international mission statement is that ‘WE SERVE’ global needs to include local needs,” said Ed Borek, President of the Abington Lions. “The Abington Lions first priority is to serve our community.”

“Quandel is a proud supporter of the AARJB,” said Lisa Shanfekder of Quandel. “Many of Quandel’s professionals live in the Abingtons. Our staff has spent countless hours enjoying the park, or coaching for the AYSL. We see first-hand what a wonderful resource the park is for our children, our families, and our community.”

Parking is free to the public; however, due to the increasingly high turnout, concert managers Lori Harris and Laurie McCoy encourage people to arrive early to find a spot and a seat in the pavilion or at a picnic table. People will be bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and sit on the lawn next to the pavilion.

For those who missed last week’s concert, a recording of the Jeffery James Band’s Hillside Park performance will be broadcast on Electric City TV.

“I think it’s also great that ECTV shows my video to share the event and park to attract an even larger audience to attend,” said videographer Skip Ward said.