Youngstown leaders celebrate new pavilion, longstanding concert series

On July 3 – opening night of the free summer concert series at Youngstown’s Falkner Park – local leaders gathered to celebrate enhancements to the stage area – and 25 years of music in the village.

Anchor Spirits co-owner and Youngstown Business and Professional Association board member Cheryl Butera explained the municipality was the recipient of funding via the William G. Mayne, Jr. Business/Community Enhancement Program. Those funds went to widening the Falkner Park pavilion entryway to allow for better performer access, improved lighting, and resetting the ancillary green space. Construction was conducted by contractor Ben Boltz.

The YBPA also presented a $250 donation to Dottie Riordan, whose husband, the late Mayor Neil Riordan, started the concert series a quarter-century ago. Riordan has continued the series since his passing.

A ribbon was cut to mark the occasion.

“It’s to recognize that the pavilion is done, and to celebrate 25 years of free concerts in Youngstown,” Butera said of the occasion.

YBPA President Melissa Kudel said, “Through the William G. Mayne grant, we are able to upgrade the pavilion, open it a little wider, better lighting, better sound. It should be rocking and rolling.”

Cutting a ribbon at a ceremony celebrating the Falkner Park pavilion upgrades are, from left: YBPA members Melissa Kudel and Cheryl Butera; 1^st District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers; YBPA’s Catherine Stella, representing the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce; Dottie Riordan; and YBPA’s Lou Bean.

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1^st District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers presented Riordan with a proclamation “for all that she’s done and continues to do for our community.”

The declaration noted Riordan’s “extraordinary dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment to the Village of Youngstown through her stewardship of the Youngstown summer concert series.”

1^st District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers and Dottie Riordan.

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Celebrating 25 years

Speaking of the concert series, Riordan said, “We started in 2001. My husband had been on the Village Board then 20 years – and every year he asked to do concerts in the park; and every year they said we couldn’t afford it. So, when he became mayor, he said, ‘I’m not asking. I’m telling. We’re doing concerts in the park; we’ll see how it goes.’

“It’s all done by donations, so it doesn’t cost (residents anything). It’s free to everybody, which is wonderful; and it’s highly successful.”

Those interesting in making a donation can submit funds to the Village of Youngstown, 240 Lockport St.

“They have a trust fund set for that,” Riordan said. “That’s all it goes for – nothing else.”

Opening night featured a performance by the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums.

The family-friendly event continues from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Friday. The lineup includes:

2026 Falkner Park summer concert schedule

√ Friday, July 10: Barroom Buzzards

√ Friday, July 17: The Taverners

√ Friday, July 24: Claudia Andres and Friends (“Jazz for Dennis”)

√ Friday, July 31: Joe and the Schmoes

√ Friday, Aug. 7: Creek Bend

√ Friday, Aug. 14: 2nd Time Around

√ Friday, Aug. 15: Marsha and Monte

√ Friday, Aug. 21: Brass Chance with Jerry Andres

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Falkner Park is located at 340 Main St. Parking is available along the side streets. The park is also accessible via the free Discover Niagara Shuttle.

For more information, call the Youngstown village office at 716-745-7721.

A crowd watches the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums perform at Youngstown’s Falkner Park.