Organizers pleased with turnout, performance
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
While weather cancelled the first official installment of Twin Lakes’ Music in Central Park July 28, Burlington High School’s Orange Crush Band more than made up for it Thursday night, engaging hundreds of residents.
Music in the Park is a new program developed to infuse life into the downtown area, according to Village Administrator Jennifer Frederick.
“The point of this program is community engagement, meeting neighbors, enjoying our parks, and visiting our downtown businesses,” Frederick said.
She is credited for bringing in sponsors and inviting performers, and was thrilled with the overall reception of the first concert.
“I am very happy with our first concert,” said Frederick, who counted more than 100 in attendance. “I thought it was a great turn out and an incredibly talented band.”
Two business leaders, including Ashley Fauth of Athletico Physical Therapy, the program’s title sponsor said Orange Crush’s performance brought excitement into the village.
Fauth, Athletico’s Facility Manager, said it was her way of giving back to the community she calls home.
“We don’t have a whole lot of events like this,” Fauth said. “I love to give back like this.”
Also contributing as sponsors on Thursday were Uline and Ozinga.
The performance, led by vocalist and incoming BHS junior Rachel Gebel, exceeded Fauth’s expectations.
“It’s awesome. I am kind of surprised. I didn’t know with the heat that it would still attract a lot of people out,” said Fauth, a 2004 Wilmot Union High School graduate. “But, the band is really good and I am happy to see a lot of people come out for it.”
Gebel, meanwhile, reported some anxiety playing before a crowd outside the confines of Burlington.
However, the Twin Lakes community lifted her spirits.
“I was really nervous about it at first, but it went great, everyone loved it,” Gebel said.
Rod Stoughton, guitarist and director of Orange Crush, commended both Frederick for approaching him on the idea and Twin Lakes residents for welcoming them into the community.
“It was a great turnout for the first event and I think it’s pretty cool that they came out to support a group that they probably didn’t know a lot about,” Stoughton said.
The other business leader, Bodi’s Bakery owner Jane Bodi, spent her evening handing out complimentary cookies and came away impressed with the band’s range of music genres.
“It was a wonderful music performance and they did plenty of songs,” Bodi said. “The crowd got into the music.”
The music is not done, however, with Local Favorite Trio set to perform Aug. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. near the caboose at Central Park.
Trio, is sponsored by Cost Cutters.
Other key sponsors that have contributed to Music in Central Park are Accurate Appraisal, Subway and Bear Real Estate Group.