Claflin Hill Symphony Celebrates Independence Day

And Park Concerts Throughout the Summer

The Claflin Hill Symphony is launching another full summer of world-class park concert entertainment in Milford and throughout the Central Massachusetts, including the 13^th season of Family Night at the Bandstand, Milford’s summer park concert series and a week long celebration of Independence Day.

Family Night at the Bandstand 2008 takes place every Tuesday evening at the Milford Musicians Pavilion in Milford Town Park, at the corner of Walnut & Congress streets.  Each concert begins at 6:30 PM, and includes appearances by Prizm the Clown, entertaining and delighting the young at heart with balloon animals, and free balloons provided by The ABC Store of Milford.  Nelly’s Sandwich Shop will be on site in the park providing affordable park concert dinner fare.  Any concert that is postponed due to inclement weather will take place on the following Thursday of the same week at the same time.

On Tuesday July 1^st, Family Night at the Bandstand presents the second concert of the 2008 season as Mauricio Morais and his band “Flash” return to the Milford Musicians Pavilion.   Morais, a long time Milford resident who emigrated from Portugal in 1966, delights audiences all over New England and the world with his unique blend of pop tunes in both English and Portuguese, as well as popular cover tunes from the Beatles, Elvis and much more.  This concert is sponsored by Avecia Biotechnology.   

The annual Milford National Bank and Trust Company’s Independence Day Spectacular takes place on Thursday, July 3^rd.  The evening’s entertainment begins at 5 PM with John Burrows and the Cocabanana Band, a mix of American country and Caribbean ballads, plus Robert Rivest appearing as Charlie Chaplin and Prizm the Clown will stroll through the crowd to entertain and delight.  The Claflin Hill Symphony Summer Winds will take the stage at 8:15 PM to perform, joined by the Charles River Chorale and members of the New World Chorale.  This season’s Independence Day Spectacular features a special USO styled tribute to members of the Greatest Generation of the World War II era.  Members of the New World Chorale, accompanied by the Claflin Hill Symphony will perform a set of original vocal selections from the Glenn Miller Army Air Force band, included Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and much more.  At 9:50 PM, The Claflin Hill Symphony Summer Winds launch into Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, arriving at it’s exultant climax just as Milford’s phenomenal fireworks show bursts overhead.  The CHSO will perform live music throughout the fireworks.  No need to drive into Boston to see a fantastic show.  It’s all right in Milford.  In case of rain, this event will take place on July 6^th.

Family Night at the Bandstand continues on Tuesday, July 8^th as local legend Jerry Seeco and his band, The Jerry Seeco Seven take the stage for a program that will have you singing along.  Jerry, a long time friend of Claflin Hill, sings jazz and pop favorites.  (He also plays flute and trumpet!)  This concert is sponsored by Al Cass Fast Oil & Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.

Another Family Night regular feature act appears on July 15^th, with an evening of Swing Music as Hopedale’s The Fantasy Big Band croons those favorites of the Big Band age.  Kent Kochon, founder and leader of the band, puts together a show that harkens back to a time when gasoline cost just $.18 a gallon!  The Fantasy Big Band is sponsored by The St. Gobain Glass Container Co.

The summer season continues with “Wizdom” and an evening of Oldies on July 22 and “Don Iacovelli and 8 Misbehavin” on July 29^th.   

The Milford Federal Savings & Loan sponsor The Claflin Hill Symphony Summer Winds on August 5^th followed on August 12 by Tim Quinn & The Irish Troubadours, sponsored by TD Banknorth.

 The Family Night season finale is August 19^th with the perennial appearance HELP!, MetroWest’s premier Beatles tribute band.  These guys put on a phenomenal show belting out your favorite tunes by those Liverpool lads.  The season finale is sponsored by National City Mortgage.  

Pack a picnic, bring a comfy chair and blanket, visit with friends, listen to fantastic music, and be a part of Claflin Hill -- be a part of your community!  In case of rain, concerts take place the following Thursday.  Check our web site, www.claflinhill.org, or call the events line at 508-478-5924 to learn up to the minutes details.

 If you don't want to worry about bringing food to the concert, we've got you covered! NELLY's Sandwich Shop will be on site this year, providing fabulous food and drink!