Parkville goes acoustic, local for new summer concert series

By Jared Hoffmann

A new concert series will take place in Parkville’s English Landing Park this summer, one that will focus solely on local singer/songwriters.

Angelo Gangai, who has been involved with planning several downtown events, said the addition of the first Parkville Acoustic Festival would be a fitting compliment to the city’s other noted music events, which primarily focus on jazz and blues genres.

“We decided the next element to fit in was acoustic music,” Gangai said. “We committed ourselves to smaller boutique events and wrapped them around good music, good food and a family atmosphere.”

The acoustic concert series will debut from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 24, on the main park stage. Gangai said admission was $10 for adults and free for children. Also featured will be food from Brodie’s Backyard BBQ and Beyond, plus a special festival brew from the Power Plant Restaurant and Brewery called English Landing Bitter.

Parkville resident Chris Freeman, of Chris Freeman Studios, is also a sponsor of the new event, along with Bentley Guitar Studios and the Main Street Parkville Association. He said the artist line-up for the initial event was recently solidified, while other acts were being contacted for additional concerts scheduled for July 19 and Sept. 13.

The lineup for the first event will feature local performers Bob Harvey and Laura Lisbeth, as well as Gregory Isakov of Denver, Colo.

Freeman said the concept was meant to promote local songwriters and performers in a stripped-down environment without the use of backup bands and large sound systems. The goal, Freeman said, is to cater to audiences who prefer a more intimate environment to enjoy music, allowing the listener to focus on lyrical content and the true stories behind every song.

“It’s so much more of a sincere and honest way to deliver music,” Freeman said. “It’s like true storytelling.”

Staff writer Jared Hoffmann can be reached at 389-6636 or jaredhoffmann@npgco.com.