Butler County Symphony Orchestra opens season with Chicago co-founder Danny Seraphine
FRANKLIN TWP — The Butler County Symphony Orchestra used some classic rock ’n’ roll to help kick off its 75th season Saturday.
Danny Seraphine, co-founder of the classic rock band Chicago, brought his “Take Me Back to Chicago Tour” to Butler Fairgrounds for the symphony orchestra’s outdoor concert to launch the season.
About 275 tickets were sold in advance of the show that also featured food trucks and activities for children, said Ben Cacioppo of the orchestra. He said about 800 people were expected to attend.
The orchestra’s jazz quartet opened the concert. The group was followed by the duo of Pete Hewlett and Scott Anderson playing classic rock ’n’ roll tunes. Hewlett and Anderson were then joined by members of the symphony orchestra’s string section in performing acoustic covers of songs made famous by the Beatles.
The main event was Seraphine, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and his band, CTA, playing songs from Chicago’s lengthy hit list. Jeff Coffey, who played bass and sang for Chicago from 2016 to 2018, provided the vocals. Members of the symphony orchestra performed with the band.
The Beatles repertoire was selected as a preview of the Oct. 7 performance of the “Magical Mystery Tour” that the symphony orchestra is hosting at the Butler Intermediate High School, Cacioppo said.
“I think it will be an enjoyable night,” said Terri Antoszyk as she and Shari Pintirsch, both of Butler, settled into the folding chairs they brought before the show started.
Antoszyk said she saw Chicago play in concert at the Civic Area in Pittsburgh years ago. Pintirsch said “Saturday in the Park” is her favorite Chicago song. Antoszyk said she likes all of Chicago’s music. They said they bought tickets at the gate, instead of in advance, because a chance of rain showers was in the forecast.
“25 or 6 to 4” is Connie Rossellini’s favorite Chicago song, and Lou Ann Rossellini’s favorite is “You’re the inspiration.”
They said they love the symphony orchestra and have seen many classic rock bands, such as Fleetwood Mac, The Who and Aerosmith in concert over the years, but they never saw Chicago play.
Blaine Turley and Alexia Harris, who recently moved from Ohio to Butler, said they bought their tickets in advance to hear the symphony, which they have not heard play before, more than Seraphine.
“We’re symphony fans,” Turley said. “It’s a fun outdoor activity before it gets cold out.”
He was happy that the show started with a jazz performance.
“I’m even more of a jazz fan than a symphony fan,” Turley said.
