The annual Great Falls Concerts on the Green began Sunday, June 7 featuring Western Electric, a traditional country band that describes their music as "when country was country, the music that is the roots of America". Western Electric is a local band that plays in Virginia and Maryland.
Bennie Potter, a band member, relates the band’s love of playing for the community saying, "It is up close and personal. We are able to meet lots of people." Potter said the band’s meeting as a union through a wrong turn. "George Welling was traveling through Great Falls and came into the Tavern to ask directions. He met the current band members and the rest is history."
"The sense of the community is the best part (of the Concerts on the Green)," said Amy Zavrel, one of the many in audience. "The concerts get people together and help the local businesses. I especially love how the events are family friendly and that kids are welcome." Other Great Falls residents said they came out to reminisce, like Sharon and Paul Brigner, who said, "We are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary and we chose to come here because country music is what caused us to meet. We wanted to celebrate one of the reasons why we are together."
Many local businesses help sponsor the concerts for the summer. "We are a very fortunate community," said Christine Dziak, who assists in organizing the summer concerts. "We are a very fortunate community. Despite the economic hardships, which have affected so many of us including almost every local business and community organization, the Great Falls businesses and local organizations have stepped up yet again to fund the Great Falls Summer Concerts on the Green."
<b>--Caroline Adams</b>