Annual Concert Series Comes to Senior Center Green This Month

With the big brass sounds of a swing band and the soothing, barbershop qualities of an a capella group, Westwood Summer Concert Series will be taking guests back to yesteryear through its various performances next month.

Shows that are fit for the entire family, the Concert Series begins Monday, July 5 with a performance from the Westwood Community Swing Band. The group, which features 16 pieces and a female vocalist, has been performing the big band sound for over 20 years.

"The bands are selected based upon successful performances in the past or simply by word of mouth. The Westwood Swing Band has been the opening act for years," said Mary Kate Ferreira of the Westwood Young Women's Club.

Presented by the Young Women's Club, the series continues a long line of tradition (formerly carried out by the Recreation Department) in providing families with entertainment during the dog days of summer. Concerts are free and held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the green at the Westwood Senior Center.

Patrons are invited to bring a picnic dinner, stretch out on a blanket and enjoy a few melodies under the stars. Refreshments will be available for purchase and Westwood Pizza will be cooking for the event. Slices cost $1.50 each, while whole pizza pies will be available for $10.

"I think Westwood residents continue to come to the concerts every year because they are fun activities to do as a family without spending money," said Ferreira. "It's great to be outdoors with friends and family in such a relaxed atmosphere."

The concert series is not only a great showcase for local music, it gives back to the community in the way of charity, as well. The Young Women's Club asks that patrons bring one canned food item to each show to be donated to the Westwood Food Pantry.

In addition to the Community Swing Band, other shows in July will have young and old alike tapping their toes.

"Historically, the last concert of the season was always a children's concert," said Ferreira. "We've had such a big turnout in the past, so we dicided to do two children's shows this year."

July 12 - Overboard

• Overboard is a nationally renowned, male a cappella group whose repertoire spans a variety of musical genres.
• Ferreira: "Overboard played for us for the first time last year and was very well received."

July 19 - Children's Concert with Rick Golden

• Golden will entertain with his animal puppets while children have the chance to sing, jump around and dance.
• Ferreira: "Rick Goldin will be performing for us for the first time, but we've heard excellent reviews."

July 26 - Children's Concert with Mike the Music Man

• Mike Slattery performs originals and covers of children's favorites. He is also a master storyteller.
• Ferreira: Mike the Music Man has performed at other events hosted by the Westwood Young Women's Club and is always a crowd pleaser.

Organized and federated in 1959, the Westwood Young Women's Club hosts a bevy of events throughout the year to better the community, including their Fall Auction and Winterfest. Their charitable work reaches everyone from Westwood Public Schools to the Community Chest and Recreation Department.

The Concert series runs until July 26. In the event of rain, shows will be moved into the Islington Community Center at 288 Washington St. A taped weather report can be found by calling 781-461-0070 after 4:30 p.m. the day of the concert.