West Chester Concert Series to open with BlueStone Ivory

Families can enjoy free music and a natural park setting on Saturdays as part of the West Chester Concert Series at Keehner Park.

“This is the 20th anniversary of the amphitheatre at Keehner Park, and the concert series started 16 years ago,” said Barb Wilson, spokeswoman for West Chester Twp.

She said a mix of new acts, along with the returning favorites will round out the family-friendly series. The concerts will begin on Saturday, June 3, with BlueStone Ivory, and wrap up on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4 with the West Chester Symphony Orchestra.

“Families truly enjoy the Saturday night concert series at Keehner Park, because there’s so much greenspace around. You can bring the little ones, and they can run around during the concert,” Wilson said.

Although there’s no alcohol served or food concessions available, guests will pack a picnic supper and spread a blanket and bring games for their children to play.

“The West Chester Concert Series is one of those things that becomes a family routine. We have so many people that come to Keehner Park in the summer, and it is part of their weekly schedule. It’s what they do. They bring their dinner. As long as the weather’s good, they are going to be there,” Wilson said.

Concerts will begin at 7 p.m. each week at the Keehner Park Amphitheatre stage. The summer-long concert series will showcase popular acts such as the Miami University Steel Drum Band, Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band, Shut Up & Drive and others. The West Chester Symphony Orchestra will also perform twice this summer, including at a community ice cream social at the park on July 1.

“The bands that we select for the West Chester Concert Series at Keehner Park represent a wider range of genres of music,” Wilson said.

Keehner Park is situated on over 120 acres. In addition to the amphitheatre, there are playgrounds at Keehner Park as well as baseball fields, tennis courts and basketball courts.

“The real hidden jewel in the whole park are the creekside trails that go through Keehner Park. … It’s something a lot of people don’t realize is available to them,” Wilson said.

Contact this contributing writer at gmwriteon@aol.com.

How to go

What: West Chester Concert Series

Where: Keehner Park, Keehner Park Amphitheatre, 7211 Barret Road, West Chester

When: 7-9 p.m. Saturdays

Cost: Free

More info: For a complete schedule, go to www.WestChesterOH.org. Guests may bring chairs. Picnics are welcome. Alcohol is not permitted.

2017 West Chester Concert Series at Keehner Park

Saturday, June 3: BlueStone Ivory

Saturday, June 10: Mad River Railroad

Saturday, June 17: Stagger Lee Band

Saturday, June 24: Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band