The Summerville Orchestra (S.O.) Woodwind Quintet will perform on Saturday, July 9, at 1 pm in Charles Allen Ridgeway Park, the town square in Summerton, S.C. Following the hour-long concert by the S.O. quintet, the public will have the opportunity to perform instrumental, vocal or other acts or jams at an open mic that will continue until dusk.

Community musicians, current and retired professionals, and student musicians are invited to participate. Cedric Liqueur, event coordinator and development director for the Town of Summerton and himself an accomplished Shakesperian actor and playwright, especially encourages those with hearing and visual impairments to participate in the open-mic performances.

“We’re so excited to host this musical event here in Summerton’s downtown historic Charles Allen Ridgeway Park,” says Summerton’s newly elected mayor Tony Junious. “Arts are essential as the cornerstone of any community.”

The S.O.’s quintet will include clarinet, horn, flute, oboe and bassoon. “It is our mission to spread music and the joy it brings to all, and to have this chance during the summer season is so gratifying,” says S.O.’s music director Wojciech Milewski. “This is a very exciting opportunity for us.”

In addition to musical entertainment, Summerton’s 4 MAIN Events Center, across the street from Charles Allen Ridgeway Park, will feature a solo photography exhibition by professional South Carolina resident photographer Jim Benson.

Chairs will be provided, but guests are invited to bring their own chairs or sit on the lawn. Refreshments will also be available, and there will be an attempt to practice some social distancing.

To reserve a performance slot, contact Cedric Liqueur at cedricliq@aol.com or (803) 485-2525.

The musical performances plus the photography exhibit are free and open to the public.