Recreation is a key element of a healthy lifestyle. And music is one of the most energizing forms of recreation.

Akron Borough Council's upcoming summer concert is simply a way for it to enhance the lives of the 4,000 residents it serves.

"Borough council wants to provide an opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together and build us all up as a community," said Bonnie Young, who's been a member of Akron Borough Council for four years. "Borough council is working hard to benefit the community in the best ways possible. Everything we do is thinking about the community and making it an uplifting place to live."

Akron Borough Council is sponsoring an appearance by the local band Mitch and the Moodswings at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, at Lloyd H. Roland Memorial Park's Pavilion 2, 221 N. 11th St., Akron. The two-hour concert, which will include an intermission, is free to attend.

Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and even a picnic supper. Bathrooms will be open and available.

"To me, it's joyful, just the music itself," said Young. "It's uplifting and cheerful. It's just a very positive vibe."

The lively concert will include about 30 recognizable numbers, hits from the '60s and '70s, rock 'n' roll, Motown, soul and rhythm and blues. The selections are intended to engage the audience and compel members to dance or move their feet in some rhythmic way.

"We'll be throwing a whole bunch of stuff at you," said Mitch Mohler, the band's front man and lead singer. "The coolest thing about this is the band's connection with the audience. It's incredible. It's unbelievable how the music will make the audience feel a part of it."

The audience is expected to number more than 200 members, including individuals from Akron and surrounding communities.

"It brings back memories for many people," said Young. "All ages actually like it. It's a fun and lively kind of music. This is the third year we brought this group back because people love seeing them. It's cute to watch. It's very theatrical. I think this group has a following."

In addition to Mohler, Mitch and the Moodswings is made up of two lead guitarists, a bass guitarist, a drummer, a saxophone player, a keyboardist and two female vocalists. Members of the band hail from East Earl, Denver and Marietta.

Mitch and the Moodswings' show in Akron is one of nine performances, mostly in Lancaster County, that the band will stage this summer. This summer marks 21 years of the band playing together.

"We love having people out there," said Mohler, who resides near Brickerville. "I can't describe that feeling to you. That's what makes this so much fun. It completes me. Entertaining and seeing people's responses completes me. It's awesome."

The July 6 performance is the only concert being sponsored by Akron Borough Council this summer.

"We put a lot of emphasis on recreation when it comes to Akron," said Young. "We put a lot of money into our parks. We think our parks are an important part of living a healthy life, a happy life. It's a priority for Akron Borough Council. We want to do things that benefit the Akron community, but we want to be fiscally conservative."

"Akron is a really friendly place," continued Young. "It's a safe place. It's charming. It has a hometown feel to it. It maintains a little tradition. It's a beautiful place to live."