Hundreds of Lee County residents gathered at Municipal Park in Opelika Tuesday evening to enjoy the sounds of Conner Lorre, a Neil Diamond tribute artist, as part of the Summer Swing concert series.
The audience viewed the colorful stage from across Rocky Brook Creek, as people brought lawn chairs, blankets and their dogs to the park to make the concert comfortable and fun.
Lorre, who played at Summer Swing last year, said the laid-back attitudes of the concert attendees brought him back to the series this year.
"Folks here in Opelika seem to have a good attitude in life," Lorre said.
Wearing a Diamond-esque, black velvet bedazzled button-down shirt, Lorre played his guitar and sang many of Diamond's classic hits, while an instrumental version of each song played in the background. In a voice strikingly similar to Diamond's, he opened the show with "America."
Lorre, who has impersonated Diamond in concert for three years, entertained the audience for more than an hour while the sun set. He sang "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" while he walked through the crowd with a wireless microphone.
His performance marked the fourth installment of the 14-week free outdoor concert series the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department puts on each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Municipal Park.
The series offers a wide variety of music to audiences, including gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, oldies, country, big band swing, folk and rock.
"Sweet Caroline" received an especially loud applause. Many fans of Diamond sang along to the catchy songs. Appearing very emotional, Lorre closed the show with "Holly Holy."
The Opelika Band Boosters Organization sold concessions, including hotdogs and hamburgers, during the concert. Tammy Batson, a band booster mother, said the funds raised will help the band buy uniforms, music, instruments and other necessary items.
In keeping with tradition, the band also sold home-made ice cream for $1 per cup.
"It's hard work, but it's fun," said Diondra Hill, a member of the Opelika High School Band's flag corps.
The Rocky Brook Rocket, a red miniature vintage train, toted children as well as adults around Municipal Park free of charge before and during the show. Calvin Sims, the train's conductor, said he enjoys making the children happy.
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce passed out fans, and RBC Bank of Opelika provided complementary lemonade to the sweaty and thirsty crowd.
Next Tuesday, Route 66 will play oldies music at the park. Kidd Blue, a local Auburn band, is scheduled to play June 15. Bill J. Brooks, an Elvis tribute artist, will play June 22, and the Auburn University Summer Concert Band will play the following Tuesday.
Summer Swing will continue until Aug. 3. The Opelika High School Band will provide concessions and the Rocky Brook Rocket will offer free rides each week.
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