Arts & Entertainment

ADD YOUR PHOTOS: Lynch Park Shell Dedicated to Beverly Legend

The City of Beverly dedicated the Lynch Park shell to Al Mitchell.

Al Mitchell believed there was nothing more important than family, friends, and community. 

His legacy was celebrated and dedicated at the shell on Aug. 26, filled with performances from family members, former band members, dance numbers, Theater & Rock Campers, and a sing-a-long with audience participation. 

Born and raised in Beverly, Mitchell graduated with the  Class of 1937, held the record for best time in the 100 yard dash, and in 2007, was inducted in the Beverly High School Sports Hall of Fame.

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Mitchell joined Manuel's Black & White Orchestra in 1937, and had been a well known musician around New England all his life. He directed shows for the Archdiocese and played at local nursing homes and rehabs. During the "Big Band" era, Al played along with the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Tommy Dorsey.

A lover of entertainment, Al owned and operated Al Mitchell's Dance Studio in Beverly for 79 years. He loved to teach children to play music and dance. He was also well known for being the Play Ground Instructor for Ward 3 in Beverly, and was on the Beverly School Committee for 16 years. 

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Al also helped start and operate Camp Mitchman in Essex and Beverly. Al received the Beverly YMCA Service to Youth Award and was the first recipient of Beverly's Martin Luther King Jr. Award. He was also a Justice of the Peace for 28 years and received an Honorary Doctorate from in 2002. 

Upload your photos from Sunday's dedication by clicking the "Upload Photos and Video" button at the top of this article. (It’s super easy – just make sure you are a registered user first). 


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