One Last Encore

Photo of Vito Ciccarelli by Stephanie J Bartik

by Vito Ciccarelli.

After 23 unforgettable years, the time has come for me to take my final bow as the Producer of the Powers Park Concert Series. While it isn’t easy to say goodbye to something that has been such a meaningful part of my life, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories that will last forever. When the first concert took the stage more than two decades ago, I never imagined what this series would become. My hope was simple—to create a place where families, friends, and neighbors could gather on warm summer evenings to enjoy great music, share a few laughs, and build a stronger sense of community. Thanks to all of you, that dream became a tradition. Over the years, I’ve watched children dance in front of the stage who are now bringing their own children to Powers Park. I’ve seen countless lawn chairs unfold, picnic baskets open, and friendships grow between people who may never have met if not for a Saturday evening concert. Those moments have always meant far more to me than any attendance number or applause. They are what made this series special.

No one accomplishes something like this alone, and I have been blessed to work alongside so many wonderful people throughout the years. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to Councilman Mark Wojcik, Councilman James Gordon, and Councilman James Gulli. They worked side by side with me through countless concerts, planning meetings, unexpected challenges, and many memorable successes. Their dedication, friendship, and commitment to our community helped make this series everything it became. I also want to sincerely thank Mayor Harry Tutunjian and Deputy Mayor Dan Crawley for their unwavering support and for believing in the concert series. Their confidence in the vision allowed us to continue growing and providing quality entertainment for our community year after year. Their encouragement meant more than they probably realize. To volunteers like John Rustin & others who gave up an evening, every sponsor & radio station who believed in what we were doing, every city employee who helped behind the scenes, my sound technician, Rocco Mazarello, who made the music come alive, every vendor, and every musician who graced our stage—thank you. Your efforts created something much bigger than a concert series. Together, we built a community tradition. And to the thousands of people who attended over the years, thank you for making every concert worthwhile. Whether you came once or attended every summer, you became part of the Powers Park family. Your smiles, applause, dancing, and support are the soundtrack I’ll remember long after the final note has faded.

Although my role with the concert series is ending, my love for Powers Park and this community certainly is not. I’ll still be there on occasion, only this time you’ll find me sitting in a lawn chair instead of running around behind the scenes. I’ll finally get to enjoy the concerts the way so many of you have for years. Life is made up of seasons, and after 23 incredible summers, this one has reached its final encore. While it’s difficult to turn the page, I do so knowing that together we created something meaningful—something that brought people together, celebrated local talent, and reminded us that music has a remarkable way of uniting a community.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to be part of your summers for the past 23 years. It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life.

As I leave the stage, I do so with immense gratitude, countless cherished memories, and one simple wish: may the music at Powers Park continue to play for generations to come. 

After all is said and done, concerts only last a few hours — but the memories can last a lifetime.

 

With sincere appreciation,

Vito Ciccarelli

Producer/ Powers Park Concert Series