Concert in the Park has them out of their seats

Glenn Carroll, who serves as president of the Johnston Community Center Association, looked at his watch and said, “It is almost 8 o’clock and Jesse is getting ready to wrap up the show and he is showing just as much energy as when he took the stage two hours ago.”

Carroll was speaking about Jesse Liam Gauthier, a talented singer who doesn’t stop moving on stage from start to finish and for the second time in as many years dazzled the JCCA Concert in the Park on Sunday with yet another extraordinary, high-energy performance.

“Youth certainly has its advantage,” Carroll said about Gauthier, 27, who looks much younger than his age. “He performs with such high energy that it’s incredible. He always puts on a great show with his band.”

The band includes his father, guitarist Jack Gauthier, drummer Michael DeQuattro and bassist Joseph Bentley.

“It is great to see the people come out to enjoy the free performances,” Carroll said. “I just wish more would do it.”

Sunday night’s Concert in the Park attracted a crowd of over 100 people and, as Carroll said about the series that’s held inside Johnston War Memorial Park, “They don’t know what they are missing.”

The JCCA has two remaining dates on its 2017 free movie and concert calendar. Carroll announced that the JCCA’s final Concert in the Park is set for Sunday evening, Aug. 13, beginning at 6 o’clock when the Billy Harpin Band makes its first-ever appearance in War Memorial Park.

“They’re a new addition to our schedule,” Carroll noted. “The band features Amanda Loffredo of Glocester whose grandparents, Richard and Carol Loffredo, are long-time residents here in Johnston. It was her grandfather who recommended the band to us and we look forward to their performance on August 13.”

Carroll also announced that the final Movies in the Park film will be presented on Saturday evening, Aug. 19, beginning at 8 o’clock and will feature “Beauty and the Beast.”

“We are happy to be able to offer these events free of charge to the citizens of Johnston,” Carroll said. “All people have to do is bring their lawn chairs and enthusiasm. We even offer free popcorn and chilled bottled water on movie nights.”