Simple Summer: The RFH Musical Mom Connection on the Dock

“This is me not crabbing on the dock during a concert! Thanks to everyone who came out to listen to The Band of the Two Rivers season finale!” ~ Joanne Formisano

Extra Fair Haven Dock signage signaling a ban on fishing and crabbing during concerts and other restrictions
Photo/Joanne Formisano

No one was crabby about it, just fishing for some music. Call it a simple summer note of musical appreciation and RFH connection. An RFH Performing Arts Society mom took center dock to play to her own tune of musical talent with the Band of the Two Rivers on Wednesday.

That mom is Fair Havenite Joanne Formisano. When her kids left for college, she joined a band. It’s a rebellious move, no doubt, especially when the band’s concerts include serenades of such renegade music as musical overtures and standard and patriotic tunes. And those tours … well, they’ve taken her to far away places like, ahem, Fair Haven Dock.

Joanne is mom to RFH grads of vocal an instrumental musical talent, Gemma and Sal. If you’ve followed RFH concerts and shows, you’ve seen both on stage or in other venues performing and playing in recent years. She was also the president of the RFH Performing Arts Society until Gemma graduated last year.

Joanne plays clarinet in The Band of Two Rivers, led by none other than RFH musical leader, Don Swinchoski, former RFH music director (1997-2009).

Not a crab in sight at this concert on the dock, threatening borough signs aside. Play on, Band of Two Rivers. Cheers to reigniting a musical spark!

Your simple summer pleasure?