Jammin' in the Park fundraiser for Cudas band music to the ears

The second annual Jammin' in the Park by the New Smyrna Beach High School Cudas band and others has come and gone, but the music and the energy continues from the April 9 fundraiser at Hawk's Park in Edgewater.

Alex Kinsey on guitar at Jammin' in the Park in Edgewater.

Photos and videos by Jeanette DiCara / Recent New Smyrna Beach High School student Alex Kinsey was among the many performers at the second annual Jammin' in the Park fundraiser in Edgewater to benefit the New Smyrna Beach High School marching band and other music programs. Check out the exclusive video highlights for the sights and sounds of this important fundraising event.

Under beautiful blue skies we enjoyed the music of New Smyrna Beach High School alumni: the Beu Sisters and recent graduate Alex Kinsey.

Some of the Farmers Market vendors sold their goods while the crowd listened to performers such as Mandy Brooke, The Dixie Rex Band, Max Q, Westbrook, KC Society Steppers and Electric Church.

Sweet music was sung by the Indian River Elementary School Chorus and the NSB High School Chorus. Some young and senior members danced to the tunes of New Smyrna Beach Middle School Jazz Band.

We were also serenaded by the high school jazz band and the audience demanded an encore.

The temperature reached 86 degrees and many were cooled by the shade at part of this park on South Ridgewood Avenue. Some in the festive crowd donned hats and umbrellas. Federal Trust Bank of Deltona had chilled water bottles on hand in exchange for a very small donation to the high school band. A tasty meatball sandwich served by Panheads Pizza from 113 South Orange St. in New Smyrna introduced me to their food. I was so pleased with the flavor that I brought home a menu.

New Smyrna Beach High School band and chorus at Jammin' in the ParkNew Smyrna Beach High School Cudas drummers at Jammin' in the ParkA chorus of four (from left to right) Angela DiCara, Maria Hudson, Ahrriana Senior and Crystal Mitchum perform at Jammin' in the Park. Two drummers from the Cudas' marching band perform as well.

Businesses and community members donated money to the Barracuda Band with the knowledge that the music program only receives $100 a year from the county of Volusia. Brian Sullivan, director of the band and music teacher, says that the high school music program has to raise over $40,000 a year to cover the expenses.

My daughters and I spent the day relishing the good food and dynamic music at this annual event.

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