SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — The Doug Smith Band, with its diverse mix of music from early swing and Dixieland up to today’s popular tunes, is set to take the stage – or rather, pavilion – at 6 p.m. July 13 at Hillside Park. The free show is the fourth in this year’s Lakeside Wednesday Concert Series, presented by the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board (AAJRB).

Admission to the series, held each week through Aug. 31, is free, thanks to volunteer management and sponsorship from local media organizations and businesses. It opened on June 22 with The Exact Change band, followed by the Luongo Brothers band on June 29. Coal Town Rounders is up next, slated for 6 p.m. July 6.

The park, located on State Route 307 (Winola Road), adjacent to both Clarks Summit State Hospital and the Abington Senior Center, is handicapped-welcoming. Concert-goers should bring a picnic blanket or chair and are invited to stop by early to explore the walking trails and other park amenities. Attendees can bring a canned good donation for the Dalton Food Pantry and enjoy canoeing on the lake.

Although tailgating and picnicing is welcome, food will also be available for purchase from concert vendors.

The Doug Smith Band consists of Erin Malloy, vocals; RJ Kennedy, drums; Tom Kozic, guitar; Tom Hamilton, saxophones; and Doug Smith, bass. It occasionally adds extra horns for the Dixieland ensemble and also performs for ballroom dancing with a 16-piece big band. It has been the house band at the Poconos resort Skytop Lodge for more than 25 years.

A variety of genres is scheduled for the 11-week family-friendly series unfolding throughout the summer – from indie to jazz and classics through the decades. For more information, follow Hillside Park on Facebook or visit hillsidepark.net.

Doug Smith Band with Erin Malloy.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_ABJ-Doug-Smith-Band.jpg.optimal.jpgDoug Smith Band with Erin Malloy. Submitted photo

For Abington Journal

Concert schedule

All shows are held from 6 p.m. to dusk, rain or shine, at the pavilion at Hillside Park on Winola Road, South Abington Township. Canoeing and food is available. Admission is free and canned good donations will be collected for the Dalton Food Pantry.

July 6: Coal Town Rounders

July 13: Doug Smith Band

July 20: Village Idiots

July 27: Von Storch Quartet

Aug. 3: Music For Models

Aug. 10: Brass and Ivory Orchestra with Chris Dematio

Aug. 17: Senator John Blake and Lightweight

Aug. 24: Rogue Chimp

Aug. 31: Sassafrass

Information provided by the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board.