The Panacea & Friends annual Labor Day weekend concert/dance at Dickinson Park Pavilion is planned for Sunday, August 31.

The all ages event will kick off at 2 pm with live music featuring hits from the 1960s through 1990s, playing until 6 pm. Panacea’s special guests this year include Steve Moran on sax, Austen Lesu on trumpet, drummer Tony Traina, guitarist Frank DeMaio, and keyboardist Christian Martirano, with original members Corky Ballard on vocals, bass, trombone, and Leslie Ballard on vocals and flute.

Although Panacea hosted The Final Panacea Reunion in 2023, there were so many requests from people who plan on the annual Newtown get-together that siblings Leslie and Corky Ballard decided to carry on with “the continuing end of the Panacea Reunion.” Along with the Ballards, the band’s lineup included fellow Newtown High School alumni Rick Kuhn, Mat Harris, Jon Dodson, and Bruce Tibbitts. Over the years, the reunions have brought together Newtown residents of all ages, teachers, school administrators, parents, old friends, and even several high school reunions.

Panacea reunited in 2013 for The Great Newtown Reunion, “A Day of Healing.” In the 1970s, the band played for countless proms and local events, and the GNR organizers asked the band to close out the day, sending attendees home with some warm memories.

Band members returned to Newtown from all over the country to play together for the first time in 50 years, and enjoyed it so much, they decided to host this informal reunion annually in the park.

Panacea’s Bridget Seaman FAITH Pantry Drive will again collect nonperishable items. Visit the pantry’s website, newtownfoodpantry.org, or find it on Facebook, for a list of specific needs.

This year, the collection table will also have a raffle for a one-year’s subscription to The Newtown Bee. The lucky winner can keep the subscription, or give it as a gift. Tickets will be $5 cash or check, and all sales will be donated to the food pantry.

Last year, Panacea ran a GoFundMe campaign for Sandy Hook Promise and Ability Beyond. The generous donations from Newtowners and friends raised $1,000 for each of these causes.

The Newtown High School Class of 1975 will be in attendance as part of their 50th Reunion (info Aultstl@gmail.com).

Crazy TacoMex food truck will serve cold drinks and choices from their restaurant menu.

Guests are welcome to bring nonalcoholic beverages, but grilling is not allowed. (Newtown does not permit alcohol or pets in the park. Those planning to attend are reminded of these rules.)

As always, the Panacea Reunion is a free event, rain or shine. Updates will be shared on the band's Facebook page.