Pops draws 2,000 to Genoa

The 24th annual Pops in the Park concert in Genoa was a success in more ways than one.

"We had the largest silent auction we've ever had in our 24 years," said Sierra Philharmonic League President Bob Verzello.

Although Verzello still can't say how much money the organization earned this Fourth of July, he said the money would continue to support the group's sponsorship of music programs in Northern Nevada.

Verzello said the concert's expanded program was well received by this year's audience of more than 2,000 people.

This year's event added the Saline Fiddlers of Saline, Mich.

The concert also included the traditional performance by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Maestro Barry Jekowsky, the Gairin Celtic Singers and the Carson City Chamber Singers.

Verzello said the Saline Fiddlers were one of the highlights of the event. The Saline Fiddlers are a group of high school students from Saline, Mich. who tour the United States every summer.

The League also sponsored a string instrument workshop for young musicians run by the Saline Fiddlers.

"The first 15 minutes of the performance our students played along with the Saline Fiddlers," Verzello said. "They had a wonderful time."

Along with the musical performances, Rita Geil read an original poem accompanied by God Bless America. Dr. Thom Merry was the event's invocation speaker and David Whitgob acted as emcee and narrated a piece for the performance.