The Triangle is gearing up for two free, outdoor performances this weekend at Cary’s Sertoma Amphitheatre at Bond Park, 801 High House Road; the Cary Town Band will kickoff the weekend on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. followed by Dr. Doolittle, a children’s play presented in sign and spoken language, on Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m.  The two performances are part of the Town’s Annual Spring Sertoma Concert Series that features the best in free, live, outdoor entertainment.

The Cary Town Band, directed by Dr. James R. Hammerle, is reminiscent of the turn of the century bands led by Sousa, Goldman and others who popularized band concerts all over America . Now in its twentieth year of existence, the band plays American and foreign marches, circus music, overtures and other "pops" classical music, polkas, and waltzes.  The band was formed in 1987 with 16 musicians. Today, it comprises more than thirty musicians from Cary, Raleigh, Apex, and surrounding areas, almost all of whom are professionals in some other line of work than music.

Dr. Doolittle is being presented by Sign Stage on Tour, a specialist in Sign Language Theatre in which deaf and hearing actors perform together on stage. Whenever a character speaks, the character speaking uses Sign Language and the audience also hears the voice. The voice comes from a different actor speaking through a microphone, sometimes on-stage and sometimes off-stage. Visually, the stage is filled with the movement of hands and bodies yet every word is spoken to make sure all audience members, both deaf and hearing, don’t miss a thing. It’s a magical blend of language created when performing a play simultaneously in spoken English and in the spatial beauty of American Sign Language.

Dr. Dolittle  features the good doctor who gives up treating people, after Polynesia, his parrot, teaches him animal languages. He already knew sign language. His fame in the animal kingdom quickly spreads throughout the world. Using all of his language skills, he sets off to cure a monkey epidemic in Africa, finding all sorts of adventures on the way.

“Come out to enjoy these wonderful, live performances in the beautiful outdoor setting of Sertoma Amphitheatre,” said Performing Arts Coordinator Sarah Bunch.  

The Sertoma Amphitheatre, nestled away inside Bond Park, is one of Cary’s best-kept secrets. This intimate, 350-seat amphitheatre is a perfect setting for spring concerts. The shade trees, covered stage, and theatre-style seating for the audience make it comfortable to enjoy music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Everyone is also invited to attend the last Spring Sertoma Concert of the season, featuring David Dyer & the Crooked Smile Band, on Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, updated show information will be available at least three hours before the show at (919) 462-3969.

For more, visit Spring Sertoma Series at http://www.townofcary.org/news/news2009/prcr-sertomaconcerts0508.htm or call (919) 460-4061.