Andrew Snee performs at Durham Central Park.
At the top of the evening as we all arrived, we were greeted at the front of the restaurant by a number of hostesses who worked hard to make sure everyone was seated. All of the tables featured an appetizer, complete with cheese, olives and stuffed grape leaves along with party favors.
There were three areas for seating. A few guests were seated outside in the front of the restaurant. Many people enjoyed dining inside the main facility.
But the courtyard was a popular and fun place to be.
Complete with its own buffet line, a DJ and lots of spacious seating, the laughter and fellowship filled the space.
Volunteers Ashley Chilton, Emily Ackerman and Nico Bollerslev, all students at Duke, were on hand in the courtyard, offering guests a sampling of a Greek tradition, Ouzo.
The music began to play early to set the tone for the celebration. The two buffets, one on the courtyard and one inside the restaurant, both included all types of specialty Greek dishes.
Larry and Hope Odzak of Durham enjoyed the festivities from the courtyard.
Though they have been to the restaurant in the past, this was their first time coming to Greek Night.
The latter Odzak said she loved the event, noting that she was taking in all the vegetables.
Larry Odzak said that he was looking forward to enjoying several courses from the buffet and planned to dance it all off throughout the evening.
Locally Grown Music
Wednesday I attended the Durham Central Park Locally Grown Music Series Concert. The concert coincided with the Wednesday afternoon hours for the Durham Farmers' Market.
The featured band was Sea Cow, a group based in Durham, made up of Andrew Snee, D.J. James, Misha Angrist, Jennie Peters and Judy Maxwell. This was the group's first time performing as a part of this particular series, though the group is certainly not new to the stage.
The gathering was a fun one. The weather provided a sneak peak at fall. Some people used the event as a way to take in a picnic on a blanket. Others brought their pets and the evening was a bonding time with man and dog.
But many people brought their own chairs and simply listened to the music. Pamela and Harry Williams of Durham have been to all the concerts in the series.
And the fact that the Farmers' Market is open during the concert makes it easy for them to pick up things they need.
When asked what their favorite part of the event was, Harry Williams said that being outside in such a family atmosphere has been great. He also shared that he was sad to hear the last concert will be later in the month.
The final concert for the summer is scheduled for Sept. 30.
The music from Sea Cow featured a mix of acoustic guitar and drums, with a lot of original songs.
The group has recorded a CD, "The Vast Uncharted," and they had merchandise available for purchase on Wednesday.
About halfway through the concert, the band took a break, and before the second half of the show resumed, we heard words from Kenny Dalsheimer, one of the board members for Durham Central Park. Dalsheimer shared information about upcoming events relating to the park, including the Meals from the Market Series.
This year marks the fourth for the series, which serves as one of the park's most important fundraisers.
The series combines local chefs and restaurants coming together in a variety of locations to provide a meal, many times in a private residence.
The last gathering for the meals series takes place Oct. 17.
To learn more about Meals from the Market, the summer concert series and other events at the park, please visit, www.durhamcentralpark.org.
Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.
