Live Music Preview: Romolo Chocolates Summer Music Series

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Alright, so maybe everybody didn't quit their jobs to join me on a three-month road trip. I admit, perhaps my plan in the last issue of the Erie Reader, you know, the one where we would attend numerous music festivals within driving distance, was a shade too bold, especially with how expensive gas is.

Still, even if you didn't make the trip down to Tennessee for Bonnaroo or the CMA Music Festival earlier this month, there are still plenty of shows to catch this summer that you can fit into your busy schedule, especially if it involves a lengthy drive. In fact, as long as you have at least one Saturday night free over the next two months, then I've got something close to home for you.

The Romolo Chocolates Summer Music Series brings several different performers to town, hosting them right at the confectionary's outdoor piazza and parking lot. For 10 summery Saturdays, a variety of artists will play everything from latin jazz to indie rock, all right on West Eighth Street right by Frontier Park from 6 to 9 a.m.
The series actually started off earlier this month with Dave Callaghan and Hardbop leading the way. On a gorgeous summer night, a show like that is well worth the price of admission.

Oh, wait, I almost forgot. All of the shows in the Romolo Chocolates Summer Music Series are free.

Your next chance to take advantage of this (lack of) price is June 16, when intercontinental fusion group the Tony Grey Project plays at the piazza. After that, June holds two more shows, with Romolo Chocolates hosting JD Jazz, a jazz duo featuring guitarist Frank Singer and vocalist Joe Dorris, with Greg Abate and indie folk rock group Falling Hollywood June 23 and 30, respectively.

July will see four more shows in the Summer Music series, with blues act Dollar Bill and the Spare Change ringing in this month. JD Jazz returns next, this time with Detroit trumpeter Dwight Adams in tow. On the following Saturday, Bill O'Connell and the Latin Jazz All Stars take the stage, while the Greg Hatza ORGANization closes out the month.

JD Jazz will make his third appearance in the Summer Music Series August 11, this time pairing up with saxophonist Claire Daly. One week later, jazz artists Pete Mills and Tony Monaco close out the season.

The Romolo Chocolates Summer Music Series combines several elements – good artists, outdoor venue, relaxing setting, etc. – to give the community a chance to enjoy the season without having to venture out too far. With nine shows remaining, there are lots of opportunities to head out for a Saturday night show for free.

So, if anyone still wants to hop in my truck and head out for the remainder of the music festival adventure, I've got 1 ½ seats to spare. If you're looking for something close to home, the Romolo Chocolates Summer Series is, appropriately, a pretty sweet deal.

Alex Bieler can be contacted at abieler@eriereader.com

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