The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet

Holiday Pops concert creates a warm glow on a cool day

By

Bill Mickelsen, left, on the tuba, Dwight Decker, middle, on the trombone, and Ken Brown, on the trumpet perform as part of The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet on the Heritage Park Stage at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Classical Preparatory School hosted the brass quintet for the concert. It was the first time that the quintet appeared in Land O’ Lakes. (Randy Underhill)

Holiday music filled the air at the Heritage Park complex in Land O’ Lakes on a cool, sunny afternoon on Dec. 10.

The Classical Preparatory School hosted The Florida Orchestra Brass Quint for its first-ever appearance in Land O’ Lakes.

The Brass Quintet has been performing in the Tampa Bay area for more than 35 years.

The audience dressed in warm clothing for the concert, held at Heritage Stage, in the park formerly known as Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

In addition to the brass quintet, entertainment also was provided by Phase III trio, the Stallion Singers and the iPad Band.

Children also were able to enjoy the Big Kahuna slide, a corn hole toss, food trucks, and a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

By Randy Underhill

Published December 20, 2017

The Phase III band performs at the opening of the Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 10 at the Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, formerly known as Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus give a casual wave, as they sit back and enjoy the music performed by The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet. Of course, the holidays would not be complete without a visit from Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good-sized crowd turns out to enjoy the first appearance of The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet at Holiday Pops on the afternoon of Dec. 10 at the Heritage Park Stage in the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
Two-year-old Kellan Weyna, of Lutz, enjoys The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet along with his parents, David his father, and mother Emily, middle.

Heritage Stage is becoming a community gathering place

By

Long before Heritage Stage existed, Sandy Graves envisioned a place where the community would gather, to watch performances and spend time together.

The stage was completed this fall and Graves’ vision has begun to take shape.

Recently, the stage was the centerpiece for an event to honor area veterans.

Live musical entertainment always plays a big role in the annual ‘Traditions on the Green’ event. This year, for the first time, the entertainers will have a stage for their performances at the event, set for Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (File)

Shortly after that, entertainers used it for performances during Land O’ Lakes SwampFest.

Next, the Land O’ Lakes High School Band, the Pine View Middle School Band, the Pine View Middle School Dance Team and the Lake Myrtle Elementary School Choir will provide a holiday concert during Traditions on the Green.

The free event, being held at the recently renamed Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., also will feature a visit from Santa, a tree lighting and a raffle on gift baskets, to raise money for the schools.

“We’ll have cookies and warm apple cider, until it runs out,” Graves said.

The event is set for Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, to the evening of performances presented by the Heritage Park Foundation and the Wesley Noon Rotary Land O’ Lakes Satellite club.

Another event is planned for the afternoon of Dec. 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The event will include a food truck, a bounce house, a visit from Santa and, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform “Holiday Pops” on the Heritage Park Stage.

Again, spectators are advised to bring a blanket or lawn chair, to sit back and enjoy some music presented by Heritage Park, Classical Preparatory School and several other sponsors.

Another event — the Land O’ Lakes Arts & Crafts & Seafood Festival, featuring The Battle of the Bands — is planned at the venue on Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Featured bands will be Priest, Rat Salad and Soul Circus Cowboys. And, there will be food, shopping and kids’ activities, as well.

The event is family and pet friendly, and proceeds will benefit Pasco County Animal Services.

Graves is delighted to see the stage being put to good use.  “We’re so excited,” she said.

Traditions on The Green
Where: The recently renamed Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
When: Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free
Details: The even features performances by local schools and a visit from Santa. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Published November 22, 2017