Massillon to host pairing of art with free ice cream social, Canton Symphony quintet

Amy L. Knapp, The Independent
·3 min read
A brass quintet from the Canton Symphony Orchestra will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday in Duncan Plaza as part of Massillon' ice cream social. The event includes free ice cream and artwork from the Massillon Community Arts Council.
A brass quintet from the Canton Symphony Orchestra will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday in Duncan Plaza as part of Massillon' ice cream social. The event includes free ice cream and artwork from the Massillon Community Arts Council.

MASSILLON – The city will host two special events in the coming weeks, including a free ice cream social Sunday.

Guests are invited Sunday to Duncan Plaza to grab a dish of ice cream from Almost Heaven and enjoy a free concert by a Canton Symphony Orchestra brass quintet.

Artists from Massillon Community Arts Council will be on hand with their artwork.

"It's a perfect pairing of art on the plaza," said Linda Benson, the mayor's administrative assistant. "Music, ice cream and art."

Canton Symphony to visit at Duncan Plaza

Benson said the ice cream social is something Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry had been pursuing for some time.

"She had this on her radar, we just had to figure out how to host it," Benson said. "We had to figure out what would work within our budget."

Medical Mutual is underwriting the event, she said.

The brass quintet takes the Duncan stage at 6 p.m. Benson said they will play for 45 minutes, take a break and then play another 45 minutes.

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Nathan Maslyk, manager of marketing for the symphony, said the ensemble will perform a variety of classical and popular music.

Small musical ensembles such as this woodwind quintet from the Canton Symphony Orchestra are traveling across Stark County playing at community events.
Small musical ensembles such as this woodwind quintet from the Canton Symphony Orchestra are traveling across Stark County playing at community events.

While the main stage full-orchestra performances of the Canton Symphony are important, Maslyk said, about 60% of what the symphony does day-to-day is performing with smaller ensembles in the community.

"We are sharing the love of classical music with those willing to listen," Maslyk said. "It's a great way for people to get to know the Canton Symphony without having to buy a ticket."

Sax in the City

After a successful event in 2019, city officials are bringing back Sax in the City.

The Aug. 12 ticketed event offers guests an intimate performance by Saxy Rob and dinner in Duncan Plaza.

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The $45-per-person ticket includes a catered dinner by Santgelo's and special seating in front of the stage. A portion of Duncan Plaza will be roped off for the event.

Benson said the meal includes a grilled steak. Dinner will be followed by a "chocolate and rich" dessert, she added.

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar and the music of Saxy Rob.

Guests can snap photos in the photo booth.

"We wanted them to have a lot of fun," Benson said. "The theme is the Roaring '20s."

Canton-native "Saxy" Rob Thompson has performed live or in studio with musicians, including former Eagles drummer Joe Vitale Sr., Larry Mud Morganfield, better known as "Muddy Waters Jr.," "Funky" Leroy Harper Jr., formerly of the James Brown Band, and local percussionist Elec Simon.

Rob Thompson, better known as Saxy Rob, will once again bring his saxophone music to Duncan Plaza for the city's Sax in the City event on Aug. 12. In the photo, he entertains guests during the 2018 inaugural event. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 and include dinner and the concert.
Rob Thompson, better known as Saxy Rob, will once again bring his saxophone music to Duncan Plaza for the city's Sax in the City event on Aug. 12. In the photo, he entertains guests during the 2018 inaugural event. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 and include dinner and the concert.

The saxophonist's talent has taken him to all over performing solo at Carnegie Music, the House of Blues and on The Strip of Las Vegas.

Catazaro-Perry created the event in 2018 after witnessing a similar one elsewhere.

The inaugural Sax in the City was well-received, Benson said, noting COVID prevented the event from returning until this year.

Music: Massillon's Summer Concert Series begins June 23 at downtown Duncan Plaza

Attendees are invited to stay and enjoy the Summer Concert Series performance by The Groove.

Tickets for Sax in the City go on sale Aug. 1. For tickets, contact the mayor's office at 330-830-1700.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Free ice cream music highlight of upcoming events at Duncan Plaza