YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – After two incidents of unruly teenagers causing disruptions at Jazz in the Park concerts this summer, the promoters of the series are asking regular patrons how they would like to handle the problem.

In a letter posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Jazz in the Park asks its attendees to take an online survey that offers several options.

The series is in its 32nd year and has become a popular staple in the community. The concerts take place from 3-7 p.m. every Sunday from July 6 to Aug. 31 at Wick Park. Admission is free.

The options the survey includes are:

  • Impose an age restriction that requires attendees 18 and under to be accompanied by an adult 25 and over.
  • Implement a $5 admission fee. 
  • Reduce the concert series to only four weeks.
  • Relocate it to Wean Park, downtown.

There is also an option for survey takers to suggest another option.

The Facebook post includes an open letter to regular attendees of the concerts and is signed by Jeff Green, president of Jazz in the Park Youngstown Inc.

It reads in part:

“Jazz in the Park … has always been most perfect, because it attracts people of various ethnic backgrounds and ages to come together to network, and enjoy contemporary jazz in a relaxed laid-back environment … It has become a destination for many former citizens who return home during the summer to attend at least one concert.

“This year is the first time that we have encountered any major disruption.

“Twice, we have had unaccompanied young teenagers come to Wick Park without the supervision of a responsible parent or adult guardian. As a result, these teenagers have caused a [ruckus] amongst themselves and they have threatened the comfort of our setting as people are trying to relax and enjoy the concerts. 

“… Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Jazz in the Park Youngstown Inc. is prepared to press charges against any and all perpetrators of violence and misconduct.”

Green said that in both incidents, youths began fighting on the periphery of the concert area. “We had police presence already on the grounds,” he said. “Additional police were called to arrest the two girls that were fighting.”

The Jazz in the Park concerts typically draw between 3,000 and 4,500 people. Green said this Sunday’s concert, featuring Stacy Richardson and Bryan Golden, will go on as scheduled.

The concert series has been a success for decades, Green said, expressing frustration that the media has not covered it for the past few years.

“It isn’t fair that after all the good that this series has done that now we are getting negative press for what a few unruly kids attempted to do,” he said. “These teenagers were not Jazz in the Park attendees and we do not like the immediate attention we are now getting because some teenagers decided to invade the park ground during the time of our event.”

Poetry Readings by Lit Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Lit Youngstown’s First Wednesday Reader Series will present poets Ali Black of Cleveland and Dana Reeher of Hermitage, Pa., at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 in the Trophy Room at Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. The room is accessible only by steep stairs. ASL interpretation will be provided by Meagan Albani. Following the reading, there will be an open mic.

Black is the author of the poetry chapbooks “If It Heals at All” (Jacar Press, 2020) and “We Look Better Alive” (Burnside Review Press, 2025). She is the co-founder of Balance Point Studios, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making, teaching and sharing art.

Reeher is the author of “Code Domesticity,” her first poetry collection. She works full time as a nurse practitioner while also working as an adjunct professor at Baylor University.

The First Wednesday reading in September will feature Mary Quade of Madison and Steve Skovensky of Columbus.

For information, go to LitYoungstown.org.

Auditions for ‘Mystery of Edwin Drood’

SHARON, Pa. – Auditions for Acts Performing Arts Center’s production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” will take place from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 3 and 7-9 p.m. Aug. 5 at the theater, 40 S. Irvine Ave.

Auditionees (age 15 to 70) should enter through the 40 Below entrance, which is on Irvine Avenue.

Familiarity with the show is encouraged. This is a show within a show, so nearly everyone plays at least two characters. Auditionees should prepare 16 bars of a song that showcases acting ability, as well as vocals, and bring sheet music in the proper key. No a cappella auditions will be allowed. Auditionees should be prepared to sing from the show and hold harmonies, as well as do some cold readings from the script. There is also a dance audition. Dancers will learn choreography to the lively opening number, “There You Are.” The combination will incorporate time-period inspired, character-driven jazz movement. Auditionees should bring character or dance shoes and dress to move.

Preregistration is encouraged to save time and allow for a smoother experience. Go to ActsPAC.org and click on Auditions. 

Rabbi to Speak on Jewish Views of the Afterlife 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – As part of its J. Newman Levy speaker series, the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown will present “Paradise Lost: Jewish Views of the Afterlife,” featuring Rabbi Frank Muller, from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane.

For over 2,000 years, Jewish sages, rabbis, philosophers and theologians have pondered what an afterlife might look like and how one might gain entry to it. This program will consider the plausibility of these different approaches and the value these beliefs may have for our present lives.

Admission is free, but registration is required HERE by Aug. 6. A meal is included.

Muller is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom, having been the spiritual leader of the temple from 1995-2020. He is currently a rabbinic scholar at Temple Shalom in Naples, Fla., where he teaches classes in its Lifelong Learning program, and collaborates with the cantor in a variety of musical capacities. He also serves the Hebrew Congregation of Chautauqua, leading Shabbat services for the past 19 summers.

Millennial Seeks Actors for ‘Stranger Things’ Parody

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An open casting call for Millennial Theatre Company’s production of “Stranger Sings: A Parody Musical” will take place from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Youngstown Playhouse.

To sign up for an audition slot, go to MillennialTheatre.org and click on Auditions. 

Auditionees should come prepared with a 30- to 60-second cut of a song in the style of the show. A headshot and résumé are encouraged but not required. No accompanist will be provided, so bring a track (Bluetooth speaker will be provided).

“Stranger Sings: A Parody Musical” will play Nov. 7-23 in the Moyer Room at the Youngstown Playhouse. All roles are open. Actors must be age 16 and up.