May 31, 2016 3 min read

The music is back on at the Damon Garde Outdoor Stage in Donora’s Palmer Park this summer.

Donora Rotary club, which sponsored the concert series for the past four years, decided not to sponsor it this year. Joe and Ruth Cialone, residents of Donora and members of the Monongahela and Donora Lions Club, felt something needed to be done to keep this summer program alive.

The Lions Cub, with the help from local organizations, was able to keep the concert series from folding. Ruth Cialone said the series would not have been possible without Monongahela Valley Hospital, Delmar Signs, Washington County Tourism and Promotion Agency and Local 59 of the American Federation of Musicians offering assistance.

“This is a nice event for the community in the summer. There is no cost and it is a nice evening with good music,” Ruth Cialone said. She added it is a great event to bring the community together to enjoy a nice summer evening.

Lions Club member and president of Local 592 of the American Federation of the Musicians, Bob Rossi, said the summer concert series gives residents a chance to get together and enjoy a fun, free event.

“What is really important about the concerts is that many people nowadays don’t get to hear this type of live music any longer,” said Rossi. Not only are many things digitalized, this music includes instruments that are not widely played, he added.

A retired band director, Rossi plays in the The Townsmen Plus One, which will perform June 12. Rossi plays bass and piano accordion. At age 80, Rossi is active in the musicians’ union and performs with the Lions Club band.

“In my career, I have played a little bit of everything in music and instruments. I was a band director in the Mon Valley for years. I was at Ringgold and Charleroi school districts. I built the school band from scratch. In my career, I’ve always been a performing musician,” he said.

Rossi said the first concert is always a special one, because it includes a special salute to the local veterans. He encourages residents to come out and enjoy the music.

The free concert series continues Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for sale. The schedule includes:

• June 12 – The Townsmen Plus One

• June 26 – Pittsburgh Big Band Legends

• July 10 – Andy Gregg Country Combo

• July 24 – Wally Gingers Orchestra

• Aug. 7- the Solitudes

• Aug. 21 – Mon Valley Jazz Ensemble.