Audience numbers are up for Music in the Park

The Fort Gordon Signal Band took the stage at Grace United Methodist Church's new Wesley Center on July 27 to round out North Augusta Cultural Arts Council's Music in the Park series.

More than 300 people attended the season finale indoors. An event associated with the Nike Nationals basketball tournament at the North Augusta Community Center caused the concert to be moved, citing a lack of parking for the nearby Maude Edenfield Park, said Carol Terry, the concert series chairwoman.

Bob Wahlmeier, of Augusta, went to three concerts this summer.

"I just really enjoy them," he said.

Last year was the first year the concert series was held at the park; before that, it was held at the Living History Park. Most of last season's concerts were forced inside the community center because of rain.

This season, only one concert was pushed indoors because of weather, Mrs. Terry said.

"This has been a great season, and the audience has increased," she said.

Organizers increased the number of concerts, scheduling them each week instead of every other Thursday.

"We had 11 concerts this year," said Ken Smith, the council executive director.

Mrs. Terry attributes the attendance increase to the fact they were held on a weekly basis, and people didn't have to wonder from week to week whether a concert was being held.

Concerts represented a variety of musical styles, including beach music and jazz. The Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band played several types of music in addition to standard patriotic melodies.

Mrs. Terry said plans already are being made for next year's series.

"We already have one or two (acts) booked," she said.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.