7/25: Family Unity in the Park

Cleveland’s east-side Mt. Pleasant neighborhood has had its share of unpleasant incidents in recent years (as has its councilman, Zack Reed). But each summer around this time, Reed and the Mt. Pleasant Community Zone hook up with the Excursions Concert Series to present Family Unity in the Park — reminding people that they can come together and flourish even in the middle of challenging economic deprivation. Families are invited to bring their grills, picnic food and lawn chairs to Luke Easter Park (3090 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.) from noon-9 p.m. to enjoy a day of togetherness and family-friendly funk, soul, jazz and blues music. These aren’t local bar bands either: The lineup includes nationally known veterans Mint Condition, the Average White Band and jazz pianist Lonnie Liston Smith, as well as many local acts. There will also be a kiddie park, family games, vendors, information booths, health screenings, voter registration and a huge fireworks display capping the evening in style. It’s all free. Call 216.556.0146 or go to thefamilyunityinthepark.com for more info. — Anastasia Pantsios