Symphony in the Park concerts return
By Terry L Wilson
It’s almost time to break out the beach chairs and picnic baskets for another season of fun and music at Hoyt Park with the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park free concert series.
“We were down for two years because of COVID, and last year we were just thrilled that more than 2,000 people came out for our first concert,” said Steve Fiorina, a member of the Symphony in the Park committee. “Our largest crowd to that point was about 1,200, but last year’s opener was at full capacity, and everyone was excited to be there, and just had a wonderful time.”
The 2023 concerts are in place with many crowd favorites returning with their unique musical and entertainment stylings.
“This year we have four summer concerts, everything is in place and ready to go,” Fiorina said. “All the concerts are free. We have major sponsors for all four concerts and face painting (for children); and we want to thank our sponsors who make this event possible.”
Having the event sponsored didn’t happen overnight. Jed Petty originated the idea of having concert hosts when he was on the Symphony in the Park committee when it began planning for the event debut.
At first it was thought that nobody would pay the amount for the concert sponsorship. Petty’s vision required a lot of hard work and support from the business community, which took time, but eventually his plan came to fruition. The nonprofit Symphony in the Park organization still depends on tax-deductible donations to keep the music playing and to fund its program benefitting the high school music department, helping buy additional instruments, music books and even uniforms.
“Tommy Boyd is the drummer and manager for the group The Heroes. He is also the one who gets the bands for us, and he never has a band that doesn’t want to come back,” Fiorina said. “They love the reception they get in Hoyt Park. The concert is a lot of fun for everyone. There isn’t a bad seat in the park.”
“We have such a wonderful audience each year and we just love playing for everyone at the park. It’s our favorite concert of the year,” Boyd said. “We’re going to mix it up this year like we always do and keep it fun with a few songs that everyone in the audience can relate too.”
Jimmy’s Buffet tribute band takes center stage to start the season off with a Caribbean flair on June 11.
The Heroes will perform on July 9. They are a crowd favorite and always draw a capacity audience for their top 40-dance music.
On Aug. 13, Stone Soul, an eight-piece band from Los Angeles, will play Motown favorites with a big band beat.
The Verge, a dance and show band playing classic rock, will close out the summer season on Sept. 10.
The traditional Holiday Concert with Santa & Friends is scheduled for Dec. 10, 5-6:30 p.m. at Jerabek Park.
To ensure that everyone enjoys the summer concerts, visitors are asked to not bring high-back chairs; keep kids safe by not letting them climb the steep hill that runs along the side of the park; and to keep pets at home.
The free summer concerts begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. at Hoyt Park.
Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park wishes to thank concert hosts: Greg Winsniew financial planner, Collins Family Jewelers, San Diego Castle Realty, Anderson Heating & Air, Barron Real Estate Group, and Filippi’s Pizza Scripps Ranch.
For additional information regarding the concert or if you would like to support the program with a donation visit: symphonyinthepark.org.
