Scottish Tunes to Fill Old Poway Park on Sunday

Lawn chair. Check. Picnic blanket. Check. Watermelon. Check. Powegians gather their picnicking snacks and lay out their blankets for this season’s Sharp Memorial Hospital Summer Concert Series.

Already well under way, the season continues with Susan Craig Winsberg & Blackwaterside, performing Scottish and Celtic folk music at the Old Poway Park on Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. The artists are known for their varied approach to traditional Irish music, as well as their ability to alternate energetic, cheerful tunes with poetic ballads.

Winsberg, a flutist, created Blackwaterside in 1995, inspired by her Scottish heritage. Over time, the band also released two additional CDs, demonstrating her instrumental versatility with “La Belle Dame” and “Celtic Love Songs,” carried out on modern and traditional flutes, whistles and recorders.  

By the time Winsberg was 16, she had won several competitions, including the Chicago Symphony Youth Auditions for which she was awarded a solo performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has studied, performed and taught extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada.

The season—which began June 26 with HELP!, a popular Beatles Tribute Band and continued this past weekend with Diamond is Forever!, a Neil Diamond Tribute Band—will continue with the following performances:

• The Corvettes. Doo-wop and Motown ('50s and '60s) group at Lake Poway, July 24.
• Dave Dekker & Swing West Band. Country/western swing at Old Poway Park, July 31.
• CoastRiders. Jimmy Buffet tribute band at Lake Poway, Aug. 7.
• Pomerado Community Band. Big band at Old Poway Park, Aug. 14.

The concerts, which have been going on for close to 20 years, are free and family-friendly, and sponsored this year by the city of Poway and Sharp Memorial Hospital, among others.

“I really don’t think I can say I have a favorite; there is just so much variety,” said Dick Jay, president 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 and provides concert ideas. “I am constantly impressed by the quality."

The mission of the San Diego Folk Heritage is to present and preserve the folk arts in San Diego County, including concerts, dances and special events in Old Poway Park.

Parking at Old Poway Park is free; however, there is a $5 parking fee for nonresidents at Lake Poway. There is a free shuttle from Poway High School.

“The concerts are really well received by the citizens of Poway,” said Old Poway Park's recreation supervisor, Dave Richards.

The concerts often draw large crowds, so arriving early is recommended.

Susan Craig Winsberg & Blackwaterside are terrific, Jay said.

“So bring your lawn chair over and listen in,” he said.

For additional concert information, call 858-668-4576 or visit poway.org.