‘Movies Under the Stars’ series to begin Friday

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Beginning this Friday, the city of Hillsboro will begin its “Movies Under the Stars” series at the Liberty Park Amphitheater.

The free events are scheduled for June 26, July 17, August 14, and August 28, according to a press release.

“It’ll be a great way to spend a Friday evening,” said Debbie Sansone, administrative assistant to Mayor Drew Hastings.

Sansone said that the series resulted from a brainstorming session.

“We were just trying to think of events to … offer the public,” she said.

The first film, “Down from the Mountain” is slated for this Friday and highlights bluegrass music from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” as performed at a live benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

According to event material, performers include Alison Krauss, John Hartford, Gillian Welch, The Cox Family, Union Station, The Peasall Sisters, David Rawlings, and many more.

On July 17, the city will show “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is,” which includes both concert and behind-the-scenes footage of “Elvis’ charisma, talent, and amazing voice … at the height of his career,” as stated in event material.

The Aug. 14 show will feature the film “Woodstock.” Event material states that “this landmark concert film is the definitive record of that milestone of rock & roll history.” Performers include Crosby, Stills, and Nash, The Who, Sly & The Family Stone and many others.

Finally, on Aug. 28, the city will show the documentary “Farmland,” which event material describes as “an intimate look at the lives of young, 20-something farmers and ranchers, all of whom are now responsible for running their farming business.”

The press release adds that the “Farmland” movie will also include special activities sponsored by the Farm Bureau.

“We just tried to pick a variety (of movies),” Sansone said.

Bluegrass music, she added, is popular locally. “And everybody likes Elvis,” she said.

Sansone also said that the Woodstock film may appeal to individuals who grew up during that generation.

She added, “We were told (the ‘Farmland’ film) is a very good documentary.”

Sansone said that she hopes the community likes the event. “This’ll be fun,” she said.

Sansone added that next year the city plans to improve the series, such as by adding more movies and by obtaining more recent films.

The press release states that the films will begin at dusk. Movie-goers should bring a blanket or lawn chair to “enjoy a big-screen experience under the stars,” according to the release.

No coolers or alcoholic beverages will be permitted.

The release adds that the following donors contributed to the events: Preferred Midwest Title and Susan L. Davis, attorney; First State Bank; Kentucky Fried Chicken; and Star Cinemas.

Reach Sarah Allen at 937-393-3456, ext. 1680, or on Twitter @SarahAllenHTG.

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