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Dozens Enjoy Annual Panacea Labor Day Weekend Concert

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Panacea performed its annual reunion concert, Labor Day weekend at Dickinson Memorial Park.

Dozens gathered in and around the pavilion of the Elm Drive park on September 6, when original members of the band were joined by special guests for this year’s performance. Siblings and original members Leslie Ballard (flute and vocals) and Corky Ballard (bass and vocals) were joined by Christian Martirano, from Sounds of Sinatra Music, on keyboards and vocals; drummer Tony Traina (The Buddy Rich Orchestra); guitarist Jim Lynch (Future Tense); Steve Moran, on sax and melodica; and Austin Lesu on trumpet.

While enjoying the performance by a band whose roots date back to the early 1970s — when its members were students at Newtown High School — attendees were again encouraged to donate to The Bridget Seaman Memorial FAITH Food Pantry Drive. Prior to her death in April 2021, she was known to pass around a "Flat Bridget" cutout in homage to Jeff Brown's Flat Stanley book series as a way of encouraging attendees to make donations for the food pantry. After she passed away Panacea renamed the annual collection in her memory

Many food items and nonperishables were donated, and financial contributions were also received through Venmo.

The Wafel Wagen and Sweet Treats food truck was also a big hit, providing a variety of food and beverages for purchase.

Legendary Newtown band Panacea performed its annual reunion concert on September 6, at Dickinson Memorial Park, to dozens of enthusiastic listeners and dancers. From left are Christian Martirano, Corky Ballard, Leslie Ballard, Tony Traina, Steve Moran, Austin Lesu, and Jim Lynch. —Bee Photos, Glass
Dozens of people gathered under and around the pavilion at Dickinson Park to enjoy this year’s concert. —Bee Photos, Glass
Flutist and vocalist Leslie Ballard and drummer Tony Traina. —Bee Photos, Glass
The Wafel Wagen and Sweet Treats food truck was available for those hungry for treats. —Bee Photos, Glass
Newtown natives Sue and Jim Shpunt were just a few days away from celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary when they joined others for the Panacea show this year. The Shpunts were married September 11, 1971, at St Rose Church. —Bee Photos, Glass
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