Phil & the Dozers back in town on Friday

Summer Music Series news

One of the area’s favorite oldie’s rock ‘n roll bands returns to Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert this Friday for a 7 p.m. concert. Phil Dirt & the Dozers will open the 2013 Fountain Park Summer Music Series and also provide entertainment for the Peony and ArtRageous Festivals this weekend.

The group returns to Fountain Park after a five-year hiatus. Always a favorite of Van Wert audiences, the band continues to tour the country as America’s premier rock ‘n roll oldies review show.  The Dozers will help local residents recapture those wonderful days when the world was a bit simpler … when poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and the corner drug store were all a part of everyday life.  Remember when a Chevy was about $2,000?

The Dozers will transport you to another time and place … namely, the Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies of rock and roll! Imagine hearing The Four Seasons’ “Sherry” with the original falsetto vocals intact … or the hauntingly beautiful Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” or their “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” or the beautiful ballads of Roy Orbison, including “Pretty Woman” and In “Dreams”.

Party on the beach with The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean, and imagine the Platters’ soul-stirring “Only You” performed with all the scratches and skips found on a well-worn 33 1/3 record — the way The Dozers first learned it!

The Phil Dirt Time Machine also stops in the Seventies, where those who attend Friday’s concert will experience some of this decade’s greatest hits, including those from the Doobie Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, The Eagles and even the O’Jays.

A car show, food vendors, arts & craft displays and many other activities will be going on around the park throughout the day leading up to the Phil Dirt & the Dozers concert at 7 p.m.  The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park to enjoy this free concert, underwritten by The Van Wert County Foundation.

Starting June 21 with the musical band, BOSTYX, there will be nine consecutive concerts in Fountain Park on Friday nights.  All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and food is always available. The Fountain Park Summer Music Series is underwritten by The Van Wert County Foundation in cooperation with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation.