Symphony in the Park concerts return

By Terry L Wilson

It’s almost time to break out the beach chairs and picnic baskets for another season of fun and music at Hoyt Park with the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park free concert series.

“We were down for two years because of COVID, and last year we were just thrilled that more than 2,000 people came out for our first concert,” said Steve Fiorina, a member of the Symphony in the Park committee. “Our largest crowd to that point was about 1,200, but last year’s opener was at full capacity, and everyone was excited to be there, and just had a wonderful time.”

The 2023 concerts are in place with many crowd favorites returning with their unique musical and entertainment stylings.

“This year we have four summer concerts, everything is in place and ready to go,” Fiorina said. “All the concerts are free. We have major sponsors for all four concerts and face painting (for children); and we want to thank our sponsors who make this event possible.”

Having the event sponsored didn’t happen overnight. Jed Petty originated the idea of having concert hosts when he was on the Symphony in the Park committee when it began planning for the event debut.

At first it was thought that nobody would pay the amount for the concert sponsorship. Petty’s vision required a lot of hard work and support from the business community, which took time, but eventually his plan came to fruition. The nonprofit Symphony in the Park organization still depends on tax-deductible donations to keep the music playing and to fund its program benefitting the high school music department, helping buy additional instruments, music books and even uniforms.

“Tommy Boyd is the drummer and manager for the group The Heroes.