Free concerts to return to Toronto

MORE MUSIC AHEAD — Several free concerts featuring a variety of musical acts will again be offered at Toronto’s Gazebo Commons thanks to the efforts of the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization, including George Komar, who is moving from the Gem City to be closer to his children and grandchildren. With Komar, center, is Abby Lemasters, who is taking over as the group’s president, and fellow coalition member Jon Greiner. — Warren Scott

TORONTO — Area residents will have an opportunity to enjoy several concerts showcasing a variety of musical styles, thanks to the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization and the many local businesses and other groups that sponsor them.

And this year’s concert season will be the last to involve George Komar, the group’s president, who is moving from the Gem City to be closer to his children and grandchildren in North Carolina.

“I think Toronto is really going to miss him. He started this whole thing,” said Jon Greiner, who has worked with Komar to set up the concerts each year.

Greiner said while he booked the various musical acts, Komar solicited the monetary donations from local businesses and organizations that have allowed them to happen.

Komar said he assumed the attitude that it never hurts to ask.

“As Michael Jordan said, unless you take the shot, you’re never going to make it,” he said.

Komar said he’s very pleased that many new sponsors have been added this year to the list, which includes the Anderson-Campbell Insurance Agency, Bill Lucas Sr., B&W Auto Repair, Cattrell Cos. Inc., the Christ Arnott Agency, Jefferson County Cable, J.E. Foster Funeral Homes, Hilscher-Clarke Electric, Howard Hanna Real Estate, Iggy’s Pizza and Pasta, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, L.A. Wargo Home Improvement, Main Street Bank, Repairs Plus Watches & Jewelry, Ridge Machine & Welding Co., Signs Limited, State Farm Insurance agent Toni Moreland, the Toronto Apothecary, Toronto Beautification Committee, Toronto Kiwanis Club, Tri-B’s Coffee Shop, Tucker’s Tavern, US Bank, Valley Converting, White Glove Supply and Clarke Funeral Home, which sponsors the portable restrooms.

In recent years, the concerts have been supported also by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, and Greiner is preparing an application for this year’s series.

As in the past, the concerts will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Wednesday in July and August at the Gazebo Commons at North Third and Market streets.

This year’s schedule includes: July 3, the classic rock of Poor Man’s Heaven; July 10, oldies favorites from De Ja Vu and light rock from Two Friends; July 17, Motown hits and other rhythm and blues from Pocket Change; July 24, country and other music from the Ron Retzer Trio; July 31, country and other music from Chelsea Householder and ’60s and ’70s rock from the Remainders, a local band from that era; Aug. 7, Tribute Night with Steve Dorsey as Roy Orbison and Kurt Nova as Elvis Presley; Aug. 14, soft rock and country from 40 Plus; Aug. 21, a variety of music from Easy Street; and Aug. 29, oldies rock and roll from the Fantasy’s.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Komar said in most cases, the concerts are held rain or shine thanks to the cooperation of the First Presbyterian Church of Toronto, which is located next to the park and has allowed the shows to be moved there when it rains.

Members of Cub Scout Troop Pack 41 also will be on hand to sell small snacks and possibly offer a joke or two.

Komar said in addition to the support of the many sponsors, he’s grateful for the efforts in recent years of Greiner, who has applied his background in broadcasting to serving as master of ceremonies for it and the Christmas light-up service held by the coalition.

It has been one of many endeavors for the coalition, from banners featuring the names and faces of local veterans to murals painted on the exteriors of Toronto businesses.

He said there had been concerts held at the Gazebo Commons when he founded the coalition with others 15 years ago, but the success of the concerts held at Historic Fort Steuben inspired him to try it in Toronto.

Komar said not all of the coalition’s projects have been successes, noting an attempt at a farmers market didn’t take off.

“I would say the first big event was the run,” he said, referring to a yearly 5K run held in memory of Pat Campbell, a local attorney who had been his neighbor.

Komar noted the race and events held in conjunction with it by Jenny Dickinson and others raised more than $360,000 to help cancer patients like Campbell.

Last year, members of Crossroads North River Church took over the event with Komar’s blessing.

Now he’s happy to see the group under new leaders: Abby Lemasters, Toni Moreland and Lish Troski.

“They are three outstanding people. I’m impressed with all of them,” he said, noting the three business owners have teamed with others to hold special events showcasing various shops and other establishments in the city.

As the coalition’s new president, Lemasters said, “I’m excited. We already have an awesome foundation with what they’ve been able to achieve. We plan to slowly build on what they’ve done. We have lots of ideas.”

“It’s good to have new ideas,” agreed Komar.