The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is set to host a free festival in Clark Park, located in the heart of Southwest Detroit, on Saturday, June 27. The Clark Park Culture and Arts Festival will feature a mix of classical and local music, including a DSO string quartet and performances by young violin students from the Sphinx Overture program.

Community Engagement

The festival represents a shift in how the DSO engages with the community, moving away from the traditional model of simply performing in a neighborhood and then leaving. According to Clare Valenti, Director of Community Engagement at the DSO, the organization has been working to change its approach to community engagement over the past six years.

"It's about working together with community partners and local residents to co-create and curate these experiences together," Valenti said. The DSO has been meeting with a planning committee made up of local residents and organizations to develop community programming and ensure that the festival is accessible to everyone.

The festival will also feature community resource booths, local food vendors, and hands-on instrument exploration for kids. The DSO's Detroit Harmony initiative will be on-site, providing instruments to students in the city of Detroit who want to learn how to play and connecting families with local music programs.

A Celebration of Community

The festival is a celebration of the community and its rich cultural heritage. The lineup includes performances by local rock band Mondo Kane, who have a combined 50-plus-year legacy and are inspired by the Southwest Detroit neighborhood.

"It is an honor to present our music and showcase rare oldies and doo-wop exactly as it was performed back then," said Joe Ramón, bassist and band manager of Mondo Kane. The festival is free, ticketless, and open to everyone, with the goal of creating a joyful and inclusive experience for the community.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.