BENCH DEDICATED — A bench was dedicated to the memory of Mark Miller Thursday evening in Toronto. Sharing a moment were Margaret Coleman, left, Miller’s mother, and Michele Chilenski, his sister. Miller, a longtime musician, volunteer and reporter for the Herald-Star, died on Christmas Day. -- Contributed

TORONTO — The Gem City paused to remember an area reporter and musician Thursday evening before the start of the first presentation in the nine-concert series at the city gazebo.

A bench was dedicated in the memory of Mark Miller prior to the concert. Miller, who was a reporter and music critic for the Herald-Star, was a jazz musician who played during the concert series in past summers. He served as a member of the East Liverpool Team Mojo Foundation, providing music instruction for those who could not afford it. He died last Christmas Day.

Miller’s mother, Margaret Coleman, and his sister, Michele Chilenski, were among those who attended the dedication.

“Mark loved Toronto and he loved music,” Chilenski said. She noted she hopes that when people come to the gazebo they will take time to sit on the bench and remember her brother.

Music at Thursday’s concert included Roz & Lynn and the Vinyl Classics.

The series is organized by the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization, with sponsorship provided by Clarke Funeral Home, Foster Funeral Home, Cattrell Cos. Inc., Valley Converting, White Glove Supply, Misty River Marina, B&W Repair, Wargo Construction and the city of Toronto.

Concerts cannot be rained out — the performances will be relocated to the First Presbyterian Church in case of inclement weather.

The concerts are free to attend, but donations will be accepted, organizers noted.

The remainder of the lineup is as follows: Ron Retzer Trio, popular music memories, and Nate Smith, acoustic guitar and vocals, Thursday; Honky Tonk Sweethearts, country, and Paul Grant, classic oldies, Aug. 17; Jimmy Lee Hook, Elton John and Billy Joel tunes, and Tammy Spicer, country, Aug. 24; Tri-State Community Band, 40-piece band, and Twice as Nice, oldies, disco and Top 40, Aug. 31; U.S. Kids, rock, Sept. 7; Flashback, 1960s and ’70s, and Three’s Company, oldies and contemporary, Sept. 14; Splendid Sound, southern gospel, and Mike & Shelby Styer, father-daughter duo, Sept. 21; and 40-Plus Band, oldies, Sept. 28.

Information about the Toronto Community Concerts can be found at the gazebo Facebook page and at www.thegemcity.org.