Music and Theater Blossoming in July at the LEAF Arboretum

Thursday, July 6

The incomparable Frontier Park off West Sixth Street is an urban oasis for families with small children, runners, tennis players, dog-walkers and cyclists, and once again this summer it will serve as the picturesque backdrop for the Arts in the Arboretum program, presented by the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF) with the support of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 17, and the McCain foundation.

This series of free events begins Thursday, July 6 at 7:00 p.m. with the Ruby Port Band; concerto evenings continue every Thursday night until August 10 with the Familiar Spirit Band, Bangerzz, Breeze Band, Mambo and Tennessee Back Porch. Lovers of theater should mark July 10, 12 and 18 at 7:00 p.m. for performances of Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, while the comedic As You Like It can be seen July 11, 17 and 19. These fan-favorites are presented by Gannon University's Theater Department and will be performed instead at Gannon's Schuster Theater in the event of inclement weather.

Guests to the LEAF Amphitheater are in for a rare treat on July 16 and August 13 at noon, when the Erie Philharmonic Brass Quintet and the Erie Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet will perform, respectively, for hour-long midday musical pick-me-ups that are sure to transport listeners lucky enough to visit on their Sunday afternoon.

All concert-goers are invited to plunk themselves down on the famously nifty stone risers or gather around the LEAF Amphitheater with lawn chairs and blankets. Last year these events were well-attended, and this year should be no different. Take advantage of the free price tag, the gorgeous Erie summer weather and the generosity of both time and spirit that all have put into the Arts at the Arboretum series. — Cara Suppa

7 p.m. // Every Thursday until Aug. 10; see http://www.leaferie.org/arts-in-the-arboretum/ for the complete list // 1501 W. Sixth St. // Free