Saturday in the Park promises community fun for good cause

By JoAnn R. Walter

Writer

OWEGO — Saturday in the Park, a live music and benefit event, is set to take place on Aug. 22. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and plenty of sunscreen, to Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y.

Organizers welcome you to a fun-filled day starting at noon. Proceeds benefit the locally based non-profit, Right Beside You.

Audra Marks and Sonya Bement, both Owego, N.Y. natives and sisters, founded their Right Beside You non-profit in 2016 and provide free end-of-life doula care in the greater Owego area. Trained and certified in the field, the doulas offer nonmedical comfort, share information about resources, extend emotional support and active listening, and help form a circle of support to facilitate the needs of the person and family. They advocate for the dying person’s wishes in coordination with healthcare providers, and complement care received from hospitals, senior care facilities, and hospice care.

Opening the day of live music at 12:30 p.m. will be Kevin Doherty, Choir Director and Music Teacher at Waverly Central Schools, singing the Star-Spangled Banner. Taking the Hickories Park Stage from 12:30 until 2 p.m. will be Friday at Fred’s. The acoustic duo, featuring Nino Samiani and Mark Blackwell, will debut their newly released E.P., “Harmonies.” Friday at Fred’s plays hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s plus more.

From 2:30 until 4 p.m., Rose n’Thorne, an acoustic male/female duo, will energize the Hickories Park stage with original songs and fan-favorite and eclectic covers. American blues guitarist and singer Murali Coryell, accompanied by his band, will take the stage from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Coryell’s distinct style of soul and blues has been compared to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. He has previously opened for George Thorogood, Gregg Allman, and B.B. King. Headliner Hustle Souls, based out of Asheville, N.C., will conclude the music-filled day from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. The band has performed in the area previously.

The five-member band, consisting of Billy Litz (vocals, keyboards, trumpet, acoustic guitar, and harmonica), Jonathan Taylor (vocals and bass guitar), Kevin Scott (vocals and drums), Justice Mann (vocals and trombone), and Reid Parler (vocals and electric guitar), performs a blend of retro-soul, brass band funk, and Americana. Together they blend intimate soul with roaring organ and brass, and three-part harmonies.

In a phone interview, Billy Litz, a Hustle Souls band member for ten years, commented, “We are an original band, but we do sprinkle in covers.” He added, “Our main goal is to connect with the crowd, and we work to get people up and dancing.”

Hustle Souls’ passion for songwriting has earned them numerous accolades, and their distinct style captures both serious songs and foot-stomping, lively tunes. Think Motown meets New Orleans meets a bit of country twang, and fold it in with plenty of vintage soul.

Litz noted that the band is excited about a new album release, and said, “We are really proud of this album, and we hope it moves the needle for us.”

Litz recommended giving a listen to their new songs, “Clementine,” and “Abigail,” and is hopeful about bringing along albums for fans to purchase.

Check out the band’s website at https://www.hustlesouls.com.

Food and beverage vendors will be offering something for everyone’s tastes, including Trav’s Chicken, Chilly and Mo, Pit Stop Popcorn, Gramp’s Funnel Cakes, and The Scoop of Whitney Point, along with Glen Park Vineyards and the Owego V.F.W. Post 1371.

Artisan vendors to visit are Wood-A-Been Kindlin, Akimbo Glassworks, The Rafters Wood Crafts, Beadiful Creations by Christina, Country Gal Creations, and Clay All Day and More.

Stop by the Southern Tier Lyme Support booth, and also visit a booth featuring a 3D printing demonstration.

In addition to live music, there will be 50-plus basket raffles, and take a chance at a 50/50.

For the brave at heart, Brothers Over Broome Ballooning will have a tethered balloon ride set up for guests to experience, as well as an anchored balloon for kids to explore.

To top off your day, browse the grounds at a vintage car show, which will feature as many as 40 cars from around the area. Admission is $10. Ages 10 and under are free. Please note: no outside food or drink, and no pets.

Tickets are available at https://eventbrite.com, or purchase tickets in-person. For more information, find “Right Beside You” and the “Saturday in the Park” event page on Facebook.