If you like polka music, you have nothing to complain about in this year's Music in the Park series.
For the African Americans in Maple Heights however, Linda Vopat needs to explain why, in a near 70% African American community, there is a disproportionate number of White groups to Black groups in the "2012 Music in the Park" series, and the "Mayor's Senior Splash Parties"; and she also needs to explain why the "Music in the Park" series and splash parties [disproportionately] appear to hold more appeal to Whites. Did you think we wouldn't notice?
We were also disappointed to find that the musical groups had much more appeal to a population over the age of 50.
We need to know how these groups were picked. Was there a committee formed, and did that committee reflect the racial and age demographics in Maple Heights? What did the solicitation [for donations] say?
Here's what the Maple Heights Human Services Department has in store for the near 70% African American population this summer:
"2012 MUSIC IN THE PARK" series, and "Mayor's Senior Splash Parties":
2012 Music in the Park Series":
Frank Moraveik Orchestra - Polka
John Dusek Orchestra - Polka
The Casuals / Ray Zalokar - Polka
Wayne Tomsic Orchestra - Polka
Billy Kaye Orchestra - Plays Polka, and other kinds of music – no heavy metal
The following group plays Jazz (see Swing Era music description - Wiki)
The Swing Era Band (saw 2 Blacks in this group)
Mike Jacobs Orchestra - description seen on The Renaissance (retirement community site): "Mike Jacobs Trio, playing popular tunes from the 50's and 60's. Take a musical trip back to the days when hula hoops and bobby socks reigned supreme and artists like Pat Boone, Perry Como and Patti Page ruled the charts"
Soul’d OUT – an African American Group
City Heat - this is either the young Black Group (though we doubt it), or White Group w 1 blk drummer that plays 60’s/ 70’s/ Motown
Logan Wells – Country Music, and Patsy Cline
Mayor's Senior Splash Parties:
Joey Tomsick - Polka/Waltz
Ralph Szubski - accordion player
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E.F. Boyd Funeral home was solicited for donations for the "2012 Music in the Park" series. We are happy to announce that Ms. Cox donated.
It's no wonder that African Americans end up going to Bedford and Oakwood events, and Warrensville Heights Home Days for entertainment.
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TO THE MAPLE HEIGHTS AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY: ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
UPDATE 5/2013:
2013 MUSIC IN THE PARK - NOT THAT MUCH HAS CHANGED
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TO THE MAPLE HEIGHTS AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY: ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
UPDATE 5/2013:
2013 MUSIC IN THE PARK - NOT THAT MUCH HAS CHANGED
[To be further edited to make corrections if needed]
