Wheaton’s music in park a huge success

A huge thank you needs to be given to the sponsors of the Fourth Annual Music in the Park held on July 22 at Memorial Park in Wheaton. Leading them is First Trust Portfolios, Wheaton Bank and Trust Co., Folk-Lore Center, City of Wheaton, Wheaton Fine and Cultural Arts Commission, Wheaton Park District and Bud Smith, Farmers Insurance.

I was astounded with the level of expertise and talent shown by the three groups performing. Cathy Barton with her masterful banjo style and hammered dulcimer, along with Dave Para on guitar brought back some of that good old folk music from the Ozarks.

Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan were mesmerizing with their gypsy flamenco music. Alfonso blew my mind with his unbelievable skill on the guitar. Magnifico. He reminded me of the great flamenco players of the past. Swing Gitan plays the 1930s style music of guitarist Django Reinhardt, a bit of early jazz with gypsy music. I was totally impressed.

The last group, Sunnyside Up, would rival any of the headliner bluegrass bands that I had just seen at the Telluride (Colo.) Bluegrass Festival. Their lead, Colby Maddox, won first place at the Rocky Grass mandolin competition in Colorado.

Thank you so much for bringing these fantastic groups to Wheaton. My suggestion next year would be to publicize this tenfold so that many more people can enjoy such outstanding talent.

Cathy Godfrey

Wheaton