Peace through music: Perry's Monument hosts Put-in-Bay Music Festival

PUT-IN-BAY - The lessons of a long-lasting peace were expressed through music fittingly on the lawn of the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on Saturday.

Despite brief stints of rain, plenty of islanders and guests shared in the message of peace and love — dancing the weekend away to swing, rock, funk and more at the second annual Put-in-Bay Music Festival.

“We weren’t going to let (the rain) dampen our enthusiasm and our fun,” said Barbara Fearon, superintendent of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, which is part of the National Parks System. “We’re so grateful for all of the support we’ve been given.”

More:Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial reopens following repairs

The festival, on the grounds of the 352-foot-tall monument built to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812, had live bands performing all-day, including Swingmania, School of Rock, Reese Dailey Band, Hillbilly Casino, Groovement and Lowdown Brass Band.

“It was quite a lineup,” said Bob Gatewood, a well-known local musician and islander, who served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

In addition to the live music, the festival also hosted numerous lawn games for children, a Guitar Hero contest and free musical workshops featuring ukulele and drumming lessons.

Brave newcomers to the instruments even got the chance following the clinics to perform live on stage with Put-in-Bay local Dick McCarthy.

Warren Hyer, executive director of the Central Ohio Symphony, from Delaware, Ohio, offered the drumming workshop, playing beats with festival goers both 1-on-1 and in groups.

Young local islander Aaron Hill, 7, was among Hyer’s first students of the day on Saturday and was picking up the beats quite quickly for his age on a variety of percussion instruments.

Ron and Robin Greene, from Mount Dora, Florida, summer at Put-in-Bay and spent their afternoon enjoying the clinics and live music.

Taylor Cheves, 12, of Columbus, who said she has had a little experience playing ukulele before, took the opportunity while on the island to get a quick informal lesson from Sheryl Patry.

Patry, who has a summer cottage on Put-in-Bay, often plays the ukulele with seniors as an activities director in Rocky River.

“I heard about the festival and I wanted to help it bring music to the island,” Patry said. “I just believe in the power of music and its ability to lift the human soul. If I can teach it, then it’s that much better.”

jstinchcom@gannett.com

419-680-4897

Twitter: @JonDBN