Papa GAP's Pastorius Park Concert Review

The 63^rd annual Pastorius Park summer concert series started with a twang as noted singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines proved that rock ‘n roll is more about soul than amplification, with his powerful solo performance. Surrounded by evergreens and 20 or so haphazardly strung lights, the Harrisburg native commented to the crowd that he was here ‘to participate in the event, not dominate it.’ Well, he did both.

Pastorius Park is an ideal spot for an outdoor concert: an intimate amphitheater, a stage fronted by a small moat, and a makeshift mosh pit for energetic toddlers. For older kids, there is a frog/fish filled pond and  several acres of open field for frisbee throwing and dog walking.  Picnics are encouraged and park bathrooms available.

I interviewed Gaines during the break, as he was re-stringing his 1982 Gibson J 2000.  Up close he resembles Elvis, with spiky hair, yellow tinted glasses and a hint of drawl.  He returned to the stage as the sun set.  As the families with young kids headed home to bed, Gaines took control, delivering the highlight of the evening, an extraordinary cover of Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your Eyes.’

Great music, perfect weather and a reminder from tonight’s performer: ‘You have to come to Chestnut Hill, you can’t find it just by passing through.'

The concert series continues at 7:30pm every Wednesday through July, 27.