Minkin's Music: Summer of Love

By Jay Minkin

A very unique show coming to the lovely, intimate Cain Park Evans Amphitheatre titled the “Summer of Love Concert” on Thursday, August 8, has piqued my curiosity. The show was created by Glen Burtnik, the former multi-instrumentalist from the band Styx. His credits also include being a member of the original “Beatlemania” on Broadway (he played Paul).

The Summer of Love Concert cast is comprised of approximately 15 performers, including a horn section, strings, keyboardist, background vocalists and an incredible rock rhythm section, who recreate the musical highlights of 1967.

This rock historical timeline was a pivotal year of social and cultural change that saw the birth of the rock festival the Monterey Pop Festival that made stars out of Joplin, Hendrix and Otis Redding.

Fashion changed, society changed, politics changed and rock music became an art form. The show will take you back in time to relive the memories and share the spirit.

This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival, The Summer of Love Concert will include a set of songs from the film Woodstock, with video projections that will transport you to that very special time. Adding to the visual sensory will be Marc Rubinstein’s “Pig Light Show,” which is recognized as one of the most famous psychedelic light shows in rock history used at Bill Graham’s legendary New York City concert hall, the Fillmore East.

Located off Superior Road between South Taylor and Lee Roads in Cleveland Heights, Cain Park makes for a beautiful setting on a summer night whether you’re sitting in the pavilion or on the lawn.

Advance tickets for this and other events are available through Ticketmaster or the Cain Park box office.

Contact Jay at Blues4Bird@aol.com or post on his Minkin’s Music Facebook page.