At press time, the Chamber of Commerce was still keeping the identity of the final Wonderful Wednesday band to perform on Sept. 2 a surprise for the audience. Each and every Wednesday since June 12, a different band has graced the stage at 1001 Franklin Avenue. The first concert brought Sylla Haskel to The Plaza, where she sang Broadway show tunes and patriotic songs. Leo Urisini (jazz), The Ben Grisalfi Big Band (swing), Banjo Dan and the Midnight Plowboys (twang), Gloria Parker and the Riverboat Ramblers (dixieland and jazz), New York Brass Choir (classical), Artie Miller (jazz), and Something Special Big Band (big band) all followed with Afro Dysia (jazz combo) rounding out the performances on Aug. 26.

This year's concert venue was expanded to include displays by local artists who had a special artist's corner set up under the overhang of the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group's building at 999 Franklin Avenue. Also, dancers from Dance Corner demonstrated classic ballroom dancing moves to the music each week. Raffles were held and employees in the various offices and businesses, merchants, and residents alike were able to enter for prizes from Chamber merchants.

The final concert will not only end a beautiful summer season of lunch break concerts held in the middle of the work week, but will help make the transition to back to school time a little easier. Also, as summer draws to an end and fall makes its way to the Village, residents can begin to look forward to the annual Homecoming Parade and Chamber of Commerce Homecoming weekend street fair. So, make sure to attend the surprise concert to help ease into fall on Sept. 2 at the corner of Franklin Avenue and East Tenth Street.