Bring your lawn chair, your appetite and your appreciation for music and community and head to Whalley Park for a series of free concerts in July and August.
The Rotary Club of Southwick presents performances by well-known artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts on Wednesdays, July 13-August. 24 to 6 p.m., rain or shine.
Rotary has sponsored the family series for five years. It “brings the community together through music,” said Ellen C. Miles, president of public relations.
The program of services are:
July 13: Rich Badowski Blues Band (blues, roots, country and funk)
July 20: Jeff Pitchell and his group Texas Flood (R&B, Rock, Soul, Pop and funky Texas blues).
July 27: Jimmy Mazz and Band (Legends and Laughter, a musical journey through Las Vegas from classical to contemporary)
August 3: 91 South (classic rock including Beatles, Stones, Doors, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and AC/DC)
August 10: Jack and his guitar (classic rock, easy listening, oldies from the 60s and 70s) opening for Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra (a group of 19 musicians and singer Cindy Reed performing swing, jazz, rock, funk and blues music)
August 17: Acoustic Thunder (acoustic band playing something for everyone)
August 24: Country Steel (a modern country band of 5 musicians). Wear your cowboy hats and your dancing boots.
“In order to cater to everyone’s musical tastes, variety is essential,” Miles said. Locals and “people from outside the community attend for many reasons, including the variety of performers.”
On July 27, the evening will be dedicated to The Rotary Club as it celebrates its 40th anniversary of service above self. On August 10, the evening is dedicated to Our Community Food Pantry, and monetary donations and non-perishable food items will be collected. “Food is expensive and there is a shortage. Rotary responds to the needs of the community,” Miles said.
On August 24, the evening will be dedicated to the Southwick Lions Club to celebrate its community service.
Whalley Park at 42 Powder Mill Road is a 70-acre parcel with 35 acres of public recreation space. The park has plenty of parking spaces and bathrooms are available.
In addition to several sports fields, there is a large playground for children.
Those attending the concert series are asked to bring lawn chairs. Food trucks will be available for food purchases. Soft and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Outside alcohol is prohibited. Coolers will only be permitted for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
For more information, contact Bob Fox at [email protected] or 413-579-4585.
