Poway Boasts Music, More Music and Movies

From Ireland’s concertina to a 65-member wind and percussion band, Poway’s rounding out the summer with the performing arts, which means lots of music.

Tickets are now available for the Friday, Aug. 19, concert at Templar’s Hall in where Noel Hill, Ireland’s greatest concertina player will play. Chosen as Ireland’s top “Traditional Musician of the Year for 2011,” Hill has become popular for his traditional Irish music, taking the humble concertina from the house dances of the west coast of Ireland to stages throughout the world.

The concertina, as they call it, is similar in sound to traditional Irish music. Hill has been at the forefront of this Irish music movement, not only as a tremendous performer, but as teacher and a well-respected specialist on Ireland's music.

Before Hill celebrated a solo career, which includes two albums—The Irish Concertina (1988) and The Irish Concertina 2 (2005)—he joined up with Tony Linnane, Tony Callanan and Kieran Hanrahan to form the group Inchiquin. They recorded one album before Hanrahan and Callanan left to form Stockton's Wing. Hill's most celebrated album is Noel Hill and Tony Linnane (1979). He has been a professional concertinist since the late 1970s.

Hill travels to the U.S. from Ireland to teach concertina at his annual summer workshops. This year, he’ll be making a rare concert appearance in Poway, performing at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19.

Tickets are $20. For more information, visit Noelhill.com or call 858-748-0181.

This Sunday, the Sharp Memorial Hospital Summer Concert Series hosts its final concert of the season, presenting the Pomerado Community Band, a 65-member wind and percussion band. The big band will perform from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Old Poway Park.

“I really don’t think I can say I have a favorite; there is just so much variety,” said Dick Jay, president (or chair folk) of the San Diego Folk Heritage, a member of the Old Poway Park Action Committee, which serves as the informal steering group for the park, providing concert ideas.

Families are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair, picnic dinner or treat, and enjoy an evening under the stars. It’s a cheap date, as the concert and parking are free. However, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot in front of the stage.

For additional information call 858-668-4576 or visit the city's website at poway.org.

And, coming up later this month: Be sure to save the date for another Free Movie in the Park. The Aug. 20 feature will be Toy
Story 3 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Poway's .

The outdoor movies were originally held at but transitioned to the park last summer. Like the concert series, families are invited to bring blankets and a picnic, and enjoy an evening under the stars.

“This is a fun and affordable opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars.” said Emily Fox, recreation supervisor for the city of Poway.

Parking at Community Park is free. Arriving early is recommended. For more information, call the recreation office at 858-668-4671, or visit its website.