Westerly Rhode Island - Summer Pops
Pictures by Larry Lovering
A beautiful evening greeted the South Coast of Rhode Island,
after a day of variable
weather that some thought might sink the concert! The Summer Pops is an
annual
event that will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Over 20,000
people turn
out, laying out blankets the night before to insure a good spot. Sight
lines are good,
as only "sand chairs" are permitted.
Marion was a gracious host; Kenny Hammond and Larry Lovering,
with son Andy in
tow were there for the festivities. The concert pre-show began at 6:30
with Morris
dancers, an Irish band and the traditional bagpipe ensemble.
The concert
Saturday night was nothing short of awesome, though the sound
system could have had an assist from me, I think; the choral voices sounded
very
muddy at times. I was amazed to learn that the chorus was made up of
people
between 8-years old and over 70! The highlight was the appearance of
12-year
old Robyn Bollinger (below), a violin prodigy from New Jersey. She
performed
Mendelssohn's violin concerto E Minor Opus 64 and a great and technical gypsy
rondo. The evening concluded with the traditional "1812 Overture" with
the church
bells, cannon fire and fireworks by Grucci providing a thrilling finale.
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