A Lively Array of Music Events on Tap for Summer

The City of Westfield, along with other venues around Western Massachusetts are sponsoring several concert series this summer. As Westfield has had a long history of celebrating music, even dating back to the origin of the Westfield’s Community Concert Band in 1912, its roots in live performances remains strong to this day. Enjoying music in a communal area is also an important tradition of Westfield State, and so we asked our faculty and staff to share their favorite places for summer concerts.

Claudia Ciano-Boyce, Professor of Psychology, runs a concert series called “Watermelon Wednesdays” with her partner in West Whately. The various genres range from bluegrass, classical, folk, jazz, blues, to soul. The concerts are held at the West Whately Chapel at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights.

Benjamin Rosenthal, visiting lecturer for Music at Westfield State and Assistant Director of Music at Berkshire Hills Music Academy, will be supporting his students this August as they play for South Hadley’s Summer Concert Series. The Capabilities and Sound Squad are set to perform on August 31, from 6:30—8 p.m. at the South Hadley Town Common. This event is free and open to the public.

Additional summer music will be performed by Dr. Ed Orgill, coordinator of Jazz Studies at Westfield State, along with Peter Coutsouridis, associate professor of percussion and music theory; Jason Schwartz, an adjunct professor of music; and singer Aaliya Brown ’23. They will perform a jazz set at the Lion’s Den in Stockbridge on July 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

One concert series local to Westfield city, titled “Jams at the Junction”, began in June and features music from a diverse array of musicians. Local bands such as Toy Factory, Living Proof, Jambox, Six Figures, Jai Baker Band, and Flying Toasters, will play at the Grand Junction Plaza on 225 S. Union St., on the Great Lawn. Performances are free, open to the public, and include activities for children, food trucks, and a free shuttle service. You can find more information about the series here.

The ”Downtown Live” summer series will feature local talent throughout July and August. Bands set to perform include, The Lost 45s, The Piper Hopkins Band, The Mac and Vinnie Band, 91 South, and Cobblestone Road. The concerts are produced by ArtWorks Westfield and take place on Friday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the Lambson Square Stage, 52 Elm St., in Westfield. The concerts are free, and includes food by Nana’s Kitchen, as well as drinks from the White Lion Brewing Company. For a more complete list of performances, visit the ArtWorks’ Facebook profile.

Stanley Park is hosting a set of performances this summer as well, titled the “Westfield Bank Sunday Night Concert Series.” The events are scheduled on Sunday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at the Beveridge Pavilion and are free to the public. Local talent includes, The Eagles Experience, The Jesse Liam Band, Eddie Forman Orchestra, Valley Kats, Hard Knox Band, and Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra. More details about each event can be found on Stanley Park’s website.

Dr. Rachel Gibson, Professor and Coordinator of Music Education, frequents events held by the Greenwood Music Camp in Cummington, MA because they bring a unique experience for all types of music lovers. This camp is particularly known for its summer concerts, which are all performed by high schoolers who study classical music. According to their website, “The camp maintains a balance of string, woodwind, and piano players. All students participate in chamber music, orchestra, and chorus, and they are challenged and encouraged to work hard to discover the great reward of intensive, well-focused learning.”

Generations of “Greenwooders” have agreed that the “extraordinarily high level of music making, combined with the warm, non-competitive atmosphere that Greenwood promotes, is unique. All performances are free and open to the public.”

Sponsored by the Westfield Cultural Council and Westfield State University, “Up Close and Musical” is also marking their third year of performances. According to their website, the music included in each event is “an eclectic range of vocal and instrumental music, ranging from classical to blues, jazz to opera, Broadway, and pop.” Performances are held at the Catherine Dower Performing and Fine Arts Center and are free of charge. Dates for the 2023 season will be available later this summer.

Additionally, for those who can’t get enough of Billy Joel and Elton John, a special musical tribute to the duo called “Face to Face” will take place Aug. 17 at Westfield River Brewing Co. Performed by singers Mike Santoro and Kenny Metcalf the tribute offers classic, popular songs such as “Uptown Girl,” “Only the Good Die Young,” and “Rocket Man,” are covered in the spirit of the legendary original singers. The performance starts at 6 p.m. For a complete list of performances, you can check out Westfield River Brewing Co.’s schedule here.