There were beach balls and soccer balls, children and dogs and grown-ups of all ages tonight (6.1.19) at the first 2019 LAMP concert this summer in the IH Park outdoor amphitheater.
The nine-piece band Memphis Funk-N-Horns started season four under sunny skies and a temperature of 87°. Among their early selections were September by Earth, Wind & Fire and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? by Chicago. Their repertoire included songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s, according to Kim Odom, special events coordinator for the City of Lakeland.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9wvK5RXsE3dydRsy7
As the concert started, there were about 300 people dotting the banks of the popular venue with blankets and coolers and friends and relatives. The free performance is one of five this season sponsored by the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department.
The 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. event featured activities for children: an inflatable, balloons and arts and crafts. Along with two food trucks, the City had a snack bar with salads, snacks and ice cream. Also for sale were gray 2019 LAMP Concert Series T-shirts for adults and children. Helping were Wendi Haley, Jackie Schwab and Kevin Rooney with Parks and Rec along with Lakeland Public Works staff.
Presenting sponsor was Sprouts Farmers Market with Caroline Harris staffing a table of Sprouts giveaways. Ms. Harris is a regional marketing specialist from Birmingham. Other sponsors were 901Heroes.com, Cannon Chiropractic and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Volunteers were coordinated through “Volunteer for Lakeland,” a group formed in 2018 to encourage students to donate their time helping their community.
“Volunteer for Lakeland” – LAMP volunteers tonight (6.1.19)
Trace Blackwell, co-founder Townsend Blackwell, co-founder
Lydia Hartz Jeremiah Hartz
Sophia Hartz Avery Wiles
Emme Wiles Brianna Rushton
Cade Rushton Lucy Ravlija
Daniel Ravlija Abby Newlund
Jenna Claire Comella
For more information about the group, go to the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/208095519918737/ . The organization was founded last year and most of the student volunteers are in grades 4-12, according to Shandra Blackwell.
Remaining 2019 concerts – 6:30-9:30 p.m.
June 22: St. Jude Band – Patty Shukla will present a special children’s interactive performance at 5:30 p.m.
July 27: Will Tucker
August 24: Land Divided
September 28: Bluff City Bandits
For details about LAMP concerts, contact Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
