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Date: 6/26/2023
LUDLOW — On Sundays at 5 p.m. this summer, the Ludlow Cultural Council will be hosting its annual Summer Concert Series at the Mack Donnelly Gazebo located at 11 East St.
From July 16 to Sept. 10, eight different bands will bring their different styles of music to Ludlow for a free concert.
The concert is sponsored by the Ludlow Cultural Council which uses it funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to put on the concert.
Ludlow Cultural Council member Nira Flatley said the event has been a staple in town since at least 2015 and has been gaining popularity each year.
“I think it brings the people together and we are hoping it lifts the residents’ spirits and make Ludlow a better place to live, to work, to play in,” she said.
Flatley added that she used to enjoy the concert before she was a member of the council.
“It was not as active as it now is. There were maybe four or six concerts going on each year back then and we are up to eight bands for this summer. I remember when I use to go with my mother, there maybe 25, 30 people and now we get 100 people a concert,” Flatley said.
Flatley also talked about what the concert series brings to the community.
“I think it brings a sense of community. It obviously brings people together old and young. There is nothing that brings a smile to your face when you see a grandfather and grandmother dancing and there is a little grandchild dancing with them or a young person dancing,” she said.
There are only a few picnic tables available, so Flatley said people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
Last year, the Ludlow Cultural Council decided to bring a food truck to the event to make it more than just a concert.
“Of course, you can bring your own picnic lunch to the concert as well,” Flatley added.
Each week there is a different band who will offers a different variety of music including jazz, rock, blues, Irish music and more.
Flatley said, “We are having some good music, some upbeat music that is danceable. We always have the family favorites. We are aware of what the people like and want. There is Billy Eagen which is Irish music, there is Jeff Gavioli and his Bad News Jazz and Blues orchestra band. We have a pretty wide range of music so we try to get a little bit of everything for everybody. There has to be at least one concert there that you are going to like.”
The Ludlow Cultural Council has a survey on their Facebook page along with passing it around at the concert to get more feedback about what residents are looking for that the council can help with.
“We are trying and asking how we find ways to get more people to the concerts. Is it the music they like or don’t like, is it the chairs, are we giving more music to the elderly and not the young community. We have really been brainstorming the past few years and trying to get more diverse performers there if you will,” Flatley added.
Flatley thinks the improved advertising has added to the popularity of the concerts.
She said, “Advertising got more people aware that there was a concert going on. I think a lot of people use to find out as the concert was going on like oh there is a concert here tonight. Advertising is a big plus.”
Flatley added that she hopes the concert series encourages people to volunteer with the Cultural Council who is always looking for more members to help.
Following the concert series, the next event for the Cultural Council is their third annual community market on September 30 and Oct. 1.
The community market is a group of local artisans and crafters who showcase their products to the community along with entertainment, nonprofits and other groups in town setting up booths to talk to residents.
Flatley added that she is looking forward to the concert series this summer.
“It is a really nice evening and a very pleasant time for everyone to enjoy and listen to some good music,” Flatley said.
The full list of concerts is available on the Ludlow Cultural Council’s Facebook page.
July 16: Blues Brothers Breifcase Concert
July 23: Sounds of Summer: Pioneer Valley Concert Band
July 30: Bad Signs
August 6: Jeff Gavioli and his Bad News Jazz and Blues Orchestra
August 13: Triple Louie’s Runaway Train
August 20: New England Swing Orchestra
August 27: Acousticca
September 10: Billy Eagen