EDGEWATER – The slick, jazz-tinted chords of Dusty Springfield’s “Spooky” rang through the breezy August air, and the finale of Edgewater’s 2013 Music on the Green concert series began.
The Class of ‘68 brought ‘60s pop and garage rock favorites to the dance-ready crowd at Edgewater’s last Music on the Green concert for the season. (Mason Souza | Sun Day Photo)
The crowd of about 250 residents sprawled out on the lawn behind Creekside Lodge. Th
ey uncorked wine bottles, unwrapped packs of crackers, and let The Class of ’68 take them back in time.
“We just like to emulate the feeling of the ’60s to get people feeling good,” Jim Bartholomew, guitarist and singer with The Class of ’68, said.
Decked out in their custom baseball jerseys, the band rolled through a catalog that included fairly deep cuts like “Bend Me, Shape Me” by the American Breed and “Elenore” by the Turtles. Some of the era’s biggest hits were tossed in as well, like The Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb.”
The Class of ’68 has played before crowds in Del Webb’s Sun City and Grand Dominion, among other venues, but the August 23 concert marked their first appearance in Edgewater.
“These guys, all of them are ready to go; they love the music,” drummer Dave Wisniewski said.
The Edgewater crowd lived up to their peers, especially after about three songs, when several audience members began to get up and dance.
Though the evening felt effortless and carefree, it certainly did not come without plenty of planning and work.
Sharon Fisher-Larson is one of the committee members in charge of planning the concerts. She said the process begins in April, when residents give recommendations for bands and performers.
“We listen to them as much as we can either on the Internet or [from] people who have seen them at other places,” Fisher-Larson said.
The crowd sprawls out on the lawn for the final Music on the Green concert of the 2013 season. The concert featured music by The Class of ’68. (Mason Souza I Sun Day Photo)
From there, the bands are contacted and booked, with an intent on keeping the styles diverse. For 2013, the series’ fourth year in Edgewater, the committee booked rockabilly and early rock group the Neverly Brothers to kick off the shows in June. July featured a triple booking: country act Denim, ’50s and ’60s specialist Bob Taylor, and Neil Diamond tribute artist Mike Palmisano.
“This year it’s a lot of rock and roll that we’ve never had before,” Fisher-Larson said.
The August show was the first that was able to be held outdoors this year. Poor weather forced the first two shows indoors, which is something Fisher-Larson said the committee always has to consider as a possibility.
Many residents had great things to say about this year’s first two shows and were even happier the series could end with good weather.
“I think it’s a great value; the music is good,” Pete Dubin said. “Eight bucks – where can you go for eight dollars and get popcorn, a Dilly Bar, and a water, and a good band?”
Other residents commended the variety of music.
“The entertainment’s good, it covers all alleys, if you will, different eras,” Bill Taylor said.
Bob Getz had a seat just a few feet from the speakers but wasn’t worried about the noise.
“That’s okay, I can’t hear anyways,” he joked.
Many attendees said they loved the option to bring their own food and drinks. Comparisons to a “little Ravinia” were tossed around more than once.
“I just hope they keep doing it, and it’s really probably one of the best things we do at Edgewater,” Janet Putz said.
Fisher-Larson said Music on the Green will certainly be back, and the committee is considering adding a fourth show next year.
