‘Pops at Pepper Street’ Concert set for August 6
Muncy Historical Society to host the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra for the second time at its “Pops at Pepper Street” free concert. Bring your family, pack your chairs and blankets, and head out for an evening of priceless music, absolutely free! As the sun sets, relax, enjoy and share in the fun-filled, community-oriented public experience of this live, outdoor concert on Saturday, August 6, starting at 7:00 p.m
The outdoor concert location is 232 Pepper Street, Muncy Creek Township, Muncy. Parking is available at Muncy High School and on Painter, Buffington, Lincoln, and Sherman Street Extension streets. In inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors, in the Muncy High School gymnasium, with on-site parking and street parking nearby.
Now celebrating its 36th season, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra is the world’s only year-round, professional ensemble specializing in the authentic recreation of “America’s Original Music” – the sounds of early theater, “silent” cinema, and vintage dance. PRO came into being as the result of Juilliard student Rick Benjamin’s 1985 discovery of thousands of historic orchestra scores from the legendary Victor recording company. This extraordinary collection sparked Mr. Benjamin’s formation of his “Paragon Ragtime Orchestra” at The Juilliard School the following year. In 1988 the Orchestra made its formal debut at Alice Tully Hall – the first concert ever presented at Lincoln Center by such an ensemble. Since then, PRO has toured extensively across 48 States and several countries overseas, and their travels have taken the Orchestra to more than 700 performing arts centers.
In addition to its worldwide concert hall, university, and festival appearances, PRO has acquired a considerable following both here and abroad through its radio programs on National Public Radio, New York Times’ WQXR, the BBC, WWFM Classical, and the Voice of America networks. Since 1989 more than 600,000,000 people have enjoyed the Orchestra’s recorded area music on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris, and in 1992 PRO proudly served as “Ambassador of Goodwill” for the United States at the World’s Fair in Seville, Spain. Over the years, the Orchestra has been heard on the soundtracks of several feature films and television programs, including productions for PBS, HBO, the FX Channel, and Turner Classic Movies. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra’s widely praised discography includes 18 albums and 2 DVD sets of historic Hollywood films with original scores.
The concert’s “Vintage Music for a Summer’s Eve” will include music by composers Scott Joplin, Sousa, Jerome Kern, Gershwin, Stephen Foster & More, played from historical scores. In addition, vocalist Bernadette Boerckel will perform scores from “In the Good Old Summer Time.”
In addition to music for all ages, the Muncy Historical Society will provide free popcorn. So come early and support the Muncy Music Association and Boy Scout Troop #25, who will both have picnic-fare foods available at their stands.
The “Pops at Pepper Street” free-to-the-public concert is sponsored by Muncy Historical Society, community-minded business partners and private individuals, and a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. A complete listing of financial supporters will be available on the night of the concert.
For more information on the “Pops at Pepper Street” concert, contact the Society at 570-546-5917, check out Muncy Historical Society’s Facebook page, or email MuncyHistorical@aol.com.
