Only two more concerts remain in the summer Ceres Concerts in the Park series.
Last night Ernie Bucio's Little Big Band performed for what was billed as Patriotic Night days before the nation celebrates its 238th birthday.
On Tuesday, June 24, the concert in Whitmore Park featured three youth bands, including Sparking Spotlight, Eli Good Times & the Old Timers and Breaking Chainz. Gabriella Sanchez was the lone performer in the "Voice of Ceres" youth singing contest for the night. She will advance to the final contest on July 15. Winning cash in the Cash Pass cash giveaway contest was Helen Condit of Ceres who publicly announced that she would donate half back to the Concerts in the Park series.
At the June 17 graffiti night themed concert, Elise Cannella, daughter of state Senator Anthony Cannella, won against competitors Arizette Garcia and Kiera Potter in the "Voice of Ceres" contest during intermission. Johnny Rocket & The Thrust performed at the concert and city recreation supervisor Traci Farris was happy when she won the $500 Cash Pass prize.
The Voice of Ceres singing competition will continue each Tuesday night and there are still more slots for kids who want to perform. The contest is open to children in kindergarten through sixth grade. No entry fee or experience is required and applicants should contact Cambria at 538-5782 or email cambria.pollinger@ci.ceres.ca.us.
The winner each night will advance to the grand championship to compete to win the contest. The winner will be announced at the July 15 "The Voice of Ceres" youth singing competition grand finale. All contestants will be asked to come back that night and sing again.
New to the concert series is a nightly cash giveaway for those participating in the Cash Pass promotion, which thus far has sold about 75 in number. Concerts are free but a $35 season Cash Pass will be sold that enable people to have a chance to win $500 during each of the concerts.
Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. at Whitmore Park, corner of Third and North streets.
The remaining concert series schedule is as follows:
• Tuesday, July 8 - Local church music groups, sponsored by Curves Fitness;
• July 15 - The Voice of Ceres singing competition finale.
Concert goers will be encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners.
Free kids crafts and activities are also available each week, courtesy of the city.
