YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Youngstown’s Jazz in the Park kicked off their summer concerts on Sunday afternoon.
The show on Sunday was the first in a year of absence due to the pandemic. People huddled in Wick Park, north of Youngstown, for a fun night of jazz music.
It used to be held at the B&O Spring Commons Park, but the venue has been moved due to COVID-19 restrictions to allow more people to attend.
“Put out a blanket, put up a chair, sit down, have fun, and hang out,” said event organizer Jeff Green.
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The event has been a staple of Youngstown for 28 years. Green’s brother and sister-in-law originally started Jazz in the Park as a children’s program. Over time, it became an event for the entire community.
“People kept asking about it. So we did it again next year. Then they started asking more about it. The parks said, ‘Okay, we’re going to help produce this and bring this together,’ ”Green said.
Concert goers enjoyed vendors’ food and others had their own barbecues while James and her band played their tunes.
“Oh, it went fantastic. We had so much fun up there and just did what we love to do what we love to do again, ”said musician Von James.
The event showed how it can unite the community.
“That brings us together. Once where we can all put our guns aside and do anything. White, black, green, yellow – everyone is welcome, ”said event organizer Jap Robinson.
“People get to know each other and relationships develop. So that’s an added value for our community, ”said Green.
