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It’s summer in Western Mass. – and there’s plenty of things to do! Music-Man-2017-BTG-Photo.jpg
Berkshire Theatre Group's 2017 production of “The Music Man.”
Photo by Emma Rothenberg-Ware

It’s summer in Western Mass. – and there’s plenty of things to do!

By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com

 

We’re so lucky to be living in Western Massachusetts – every season offers a wealth of activities to keep us entertained, active and informed.

And summer is no exception! So if your plans run toward a “Staycation” type of season, or you’re just looking for some fun on a summer day, afternoon or evening, check out Prime’s compilation below. We’ve got oodles of music, festivals, events and other ways to help you make 2018 one of your best summers yet!

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS

Western Mass. is the place to be if you like a little night music al fresco! Here are the towns, venues and musicians offering free concerts throughout the Valley this summer:

AGAWAM

SummerFest Concert Series takes place Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the band shell at School Street Park, unless noted. Main gate is located at 551 School Street. **Inclement weather cancels concert. Call 413-821-0514 after 2 p.m. - or look for signs posted at Veterans’ Green for concert status.

July 11 – One Stop Pony Band

July 18 – Simon & Garfunkel and

James Taylor tribute concert

July 25 – Simply Swing

Aug. 1 – Bennie & The Jets

Aug. 7 – National Night Out plus Pandemonium

(This event takes place on Tuesday)

Aug. 15 – Soul Sound Revue

Aug. 22 – Kix 100.9 Country Night

CHICOPEE

Aldenville concerts take place on Tuesday evenings; bring a chair and enjoy a concert on the lawn at Aldenville Commons on Grattan St.

beginning at 6:30 p.m.

July 10 – The Dan Kane Singers

July 17 – Frank DeFeo and Freeway

July 24 – Changin’ Lanes

July 31 – Brad Shepard Live

Aug. 7 – Peter Annone and Richie Mitnick

Library concerts take place on Thursday evenings; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a concert in the amphitheater behind the Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Concert moves to Community Room in case of rain.

July 5 – Laurie Festa

July 12 – A Ray of Elvis

July 19 – Ray Mason

July 26 – Five Letters

(Concert in the Community Room)

Aug. 2 – The C.A. Jones Band

Aug. 9 – Jeff Snow

Aug. 16 – Polynesian Show

Szot Park concerts take place for five Sunday nights in July at the Szot Park tennis courts beginning at 6:30 p.m. Come catch the Pioneer Valley Concert Band in concert July 8, 15, 22, 29.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Rotary Club Summer Concert Series takes place Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on the grounds of East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple St.

July 3  – Trailer Trash

(This concert coincides with the close of the town’s annual carnival and Independence Day fireworks display).

July 11 – A Ray of Elvis

July 18 – Changes in Latitude

July 25 – Union Jack

Aug. 1 – Good Acoustics

Aug. 8 – Dan Kane & Friends

Aug. 15 – Rick Larrimore

GRANBY, MA

This year, the Granby Friends of the Elderly present one concert in Dufresne Park at 6 p.m.

July 17 – Dan Kane and Friend

HOLYOKE

Positively Holyoke Summer Concert Series takes place on Wednesday nights at Heritage State Park at 6 p.m. The Rotary Grill and the Beer & Wine Garden will be open during concerts.

July 18 – Out of the Blue

July 25 – Mid-Life Crisis Band

Aug. 1 – The Knots

Aug. 8 – Trailer Trash

SPRINGFIELD

Trinity Church at 361 Sumner Ave, Springfield, hosts Thursday evening concerts in July. Music begins at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary followed by a carillon concert featuring guest carillonneurs on the lawn at 7 p.m. Different dinner choice available each week! Info: trinityspringfield.org.

July 5 – “Six Wire - An Acoustic Alchemy” –  music by the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Indigo Girls and more by Boris Bakum and friends.  Carillon concert by Charles Semowich

July 12 – “Hooray for Hollywood” with the Trinity singers. Carillon concert by Hans Heilscher.

July 19 – “Curtains Up- the Best of Broadway” by Bella Voce. Carillon concert by David Maker

July 26 – “The Fabulous flute and Heavenly harp” with Janet Dixon-Metcalf and Haley Hewitt. Carillon concert by Dan Kehoe.

White Lion Wednesdays. The “Beer Garden” returns from 4 to 8 p.m. rotating between The Shops at Marketplace, Monarch Plaza and 1350 Main Street Plaza. After Aug. 29, MGM Springfield Plaza also hosts through Sept. 12. Listed are the concerts scheduled at press time.

July 11 – Rob Thomas, 1350 Main St.

July 18 - Peter Newland, Shops at Marketplace

July 25  – Tom Ingram, Monarch Place

Aug.15 – Feel Good Drift, Monarch Place

Aug. 29 – Grayson Ty, MGM Springfield Plaza

Sept. 5 – Eagle Eyes, Monarch Place

Visit www.Springfielddowntown.com and check “Events” for an updated list.

WESTFIELD

MusicFest Westfield, sponsored by Westfield on Weekends, takes place at Park Square Green, at 6 p.m.

July 19  – Kix Country Concert

Aug. 16  – Western Mass  All Star Jazz Big Band

Stanley Park Concerts take place on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion. Chairs available; pavilion is handicapped accessible. Info:  www.stanleypark.org

July 8 – Off the Record

July 15 – The Eagles Experience

July 22 – Shakin’ All Over

July 29 – Union Jack

Aug. 5 – The Savage Brothers

Aug. 12 – The Diamond Collection

Carillon Concerts at Stanley Park take place one Sunday afternoon a month  from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dates are July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 15. Bring your blankets and chairs! Please visit www.stanleypark.org for more info.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Summer Family Concert Series offers a wide variety of music at different locations throughout the summer. Inclement weather moves concert indoors to West Springfield Middle School, 31 Middle School Drive.

July 4 – Jay Contino Dynamic Duo, Town Common, 11 a.m.

July 4 – The Diamond Collection, Town Common, 1 p.m.

July 5 –Gary Landgren, Honky Tonk Piano, High School Auditorium, 7 p.m.

July 12 – Cicci Santucci Jazz Ensemble, Storrowton Village Gazebo, 7 p.m.

July 19 – Richie Mitnick & Friends, Storrowton Village Gazebo, 7 p.m.

July 26 – Ethel Lee, Storrowton Village Gazebo, 7 p.m.

Aug. 2  – Big E Mardi Gras Band, Storrowton Village Gazebo, 7 p.m.

Aug. 9  – Brad Shepard, 429 Morgan Road Pavilion, 7 p.m.

Aug. 9 – The Kings, 429 Morgan Road Pavilion, 7 p.m.

Aug. 16 – The Happy Five Oompah German Band, 429 Morgan Road Pavilion, 7 p.m.

Aug. 23 – Chinese folk Art, Senior High School Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 – Milardo Polka Band, 429 Morgan Road Pavilion, 7 p.m.

WILBRAHAM

Fountain Park Concert Series takes place Thursday nights at Fountain Park on Tinkham Road beginning at 6:30 p.m. Concert is free; $5 parking fee for those without a season pass. Info: www.explorefountainpark.com.

July 5 – The Eagles Experience

July 12 – Just Us – funky soul

July 19 – Amherst Jazz Orchestra

July 26 – The Cartells

Aug. 2 – The Tom Ingram Band

Orchard Valley Summer Concerts take place at 6 p.m. at 2387 Boston Road, with refreshments.To RSVP, call 413-596-0006.

July 25 – Big Kahuna Luau

Aug, 15 – Palmer-Monson Community Band

Sept. 8 – Blue Skies Big Band (this Saturday concert takes place at 2 p.m.)

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires play host to some pretty impressive music festivals as the weather warms. Here are some of the favorites:

July 13-15 – Green River Festival Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA, hosts an outrageous celebration of world class music, great local food, beer & wine, a handmade craft fair, and lots of family games and activities, plus four hot air balloon launches and a spectacular Saturday night balloon glow. Three days, 30 bands, three stages and every musical genre from folk to Iinde rock, reggae to Zydeco. Family friendly, with kids activities.

Rolling Stone Magazine, USA Today and The New York Times call it one of the premiere music festivals in the Northeast! For info and tickets, visit www.greenriverfestival.com

July 28 – South Hadley Falls Fest This is the third annual music festival hosted at Beachfront Park, 116 Main St., in South Hadley Falls, MA, on the banks of the Connecticut River. Featuring music, arts and interactive experiences, this event runs from noon to 10 p.m. For more info, visit: fallsfest.live/fallsfest-2018/

Aug 11 – Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival The Jazz & Roots Festival  attracts about 10,000 music lovers from throughout the Northeast to Springfield’s Court Square. The free festival, accessible to people of all ages, celebrates music as well as its host – the city of Springfield – whose many cultural attractions, rich historical legacy and beautiful architecture are too often overshadowed by a negative perception of the city. For a complete schedule of musical acts and other activities visit springfieldjazzfest.com.

MUSIC AT THE MAJESTIC

If you prefer your concerts in air-conditioned comfort, with premiere snacks and beverages, then this musical lineup at the Majestic Theater, located on Elm Street in West Springfield, MA, might be more up your alley.

July 6 – The 70s Project. 8 p.m. Enjoy the best hits from the 1970s – from Peter Frampton to the Beatles to early Elton John. Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 7 – Simon & Garfunkel Tribute.

8 p.m. “Good Acoustics” featuring Mike Smith, Dave Fazio and Bill DeSanty will feature a night of classic tunes from Simon & Garfunkel. Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 12 – Beach Boys Tribute. 7:30 p.m. The always-popular Driftwoods  captures the harmonies, sound and great music of California’s iconic Beach Boys. Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 13 – The Russell Brooks Revue

8 p.m. Russell Brooks is a legendary Pioneer Valley performer and showman who dazzles audiences with his tribute to the Moody Blues. Tickets: $24 & $26

July 14 – Frank Manzi, Family &   Friends. 8 p.m. Frank Manzi has been part of the Majestic family since we opened in 1997 with “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.” This concert includes music from his family’s album “Sunday Dinner.” Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 19 – The American Longboards. 7:30 p.m. This high energy combo features rock’s greatest hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 20 – Roy Orbison Tribute.

2 & 8 p.m. Brian McCullough’s show last year was in such demand that we had to have him back again. Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 21 – Jimmy Mazz. 2 & 8 p.m. This Atlantic City headliner offers a new and exciting show, “Songs Across the USA.” Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 26 – The Corvettes, 7:30 p.m. Also July 27 at 8 p.m. The Corvettes serve up oldies like “Come Go with Me,” “At the Hop,” “Earth Angel” and more! Tickets: $24 & $26.

July 28 – Center Stage Motown Revue 2 & 8 p.m. Expect hits from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, The Spinner, The O’Jays and a whole lot more. Tickets: $24 & $26.

Aug. 2 – Studio Two – The Early Beatles  7:30 p.m. Studio Two concentrates on the most exciting and fun time in The Beatles’ career – the club and touring years where songs like “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “I Saw Her Standing There” and “She Loves You” were born. Tickets: $24 & $26.

Aug. 3 & 4 – Bridges Road – An Eagles Tribute 8 p.m. Enjoy the Eagles most loved recordings featuring tight vocal harmonies and beautiful musical arrangements, along with story notes about the songs. Tickets: $24 & $26.

Aug. 9 – Classic Cher Starring Lisa Carter 7:30 p.m. Cher tribute artist Lisa Carter is joined by Sinatra tribute artist Patrick Tobin and Dave Colucci to take the audience on a tour of Cher’s greatest hits through the decades, wearing her remarkable Bob Mackie-inspired costumes and brilliant wig designs. Tickets: $24 & $26.

Aug, 10 & 11 – The Diamond  Collection 8 p.m. Thrill to Kenny LaBelle’s ultimate tribute to the great Neil Diamond, including some hidden Diamond gems. Tickets: $24 & $26

Aug. 16 – Ray Guillemette, Jr./A Ray of  Elvis 7:30 p.m. Also Aug. 18 at

8 p.m. Even Graceland has acknowledged Ray as one of the best tribute artists. Tickets: $24 & $26.

Aug. 24 – Dan Kane’s Rising Stars

8 p.m. Also Aug.25 at 1p.m.

Dan Kane presents 50 of the area’s most talented young voices. Tickets: $12 & $14.

Aug. 26 – Freddie Marion 2 p.m. 

Dan Kane and some very special friends join Freddie for an extraordinary concert that covers over 50 years of great music. Tickets: $24 & $26.

MORE THINGS TO DO!

July 6 - Aug. 5 – Ko Festival of Performance A program of Ko Theater Works, festival offers original works that surprise, provoke and inspire audiences and participants. This year’s theme for the five weekends of performances and three workshops is “Radical Acts.” for more info, including ticket prices, visit kofest.com

July 10-15 – Brimfield Antiques Flea Market The oldest outdoor antiques market opens for its 50th summer! Visit brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com for a fields map, info on parking, and lots of other tips.

July 10 - Aug. 14 – Open Mic Nights at the Majestic. This local version of “America’s Got Talent,” hosted by Freddie Marion, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. lets audience decide who wins weekly prizes. $7 admission, audience or performers, acts must call 747-7797 to book a spot.

July 11 - Aug. 8 – Improv @The Majestic. Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m., The Majesters – a troupe of the best improv comics from the Pioneer Valley and beyond present an evening of unscripted comic mayhem.

Tickets: $9.

July 12 –  Greater Westfield Chamber Annual Pancake Breakfast This is the 41st year for this community event, slated for 7 to 11 a.m. at Westfield Middle School, 30 West Silver St., Westfield, MA. Pancakes with the fixin’s plus a bounce house, face painting and balloon sculptures for the kids.

Tickets: westfieldbiz.org/events. Adults $6, seniors $5, kids 10 years of age and younger, $3. To order :westfieldbiz.org/events

July 14 - 15 Great New England Air & Space Show The Air Force Thunderbirds return to Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA, along with many more aerial acts, stationary military aircraft displays, and examples of space and cyberspace equipment. Free admission and parking. Info: greatnewenglandairshow.com.

July 16 - Aug. 3 – Movies in the Park. The city of Springfield hosts free family movies Monday nights in Kenefick Park, Wednesday nights in Blunt Park and Friday nights in Forest Park. All films begin at 8:15 p.m.

July 16-20 – Cars 3

July 22-24 –  Monasa

July 30 - Aug. 3 –  Despicable Me 3

July 21 – Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival This is the 25th anniversary for the annual celebration of clans, pipes, kilts, contests  and Celtic heritage. At Look Park, Northampton, MA, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking:$3, admission: admission at the gate: adults $16; children 6 to 12 years of age, $5; children younger than six admitted free. For more info visit www.glasgowlands.org.

Editor’s Note: See this month’s Three Big Questions for links to summer arts and theater in the Berkshires.

Check out the myriad museums and libraries in the area for more summer exhibits, and fun!