Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 8/2/2022
BRIMFIELD – For over a decade, Hitchcock Free Academy has hosted a summer concert series on the Brimfield Town Common. However, recent improvements to the location have created a more welcoming environment for the community to gather.
Every Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., live music fills the air as the public fills the green. Encompassing a variety of musical genres, Cindy Skowyra, executive director of Hitchcock Free Academy, said attendees can expect to hear something different every week.
The summer concert series began on July 20 with The James Paul Band. Amid a heat wave, Skowyra said she was “surprised” to see a turnout of over 100 people. “[The concert] did go well. The band was amazing,” she added.
On July 27, The Island Castaways Band performed, followed by Time Stretchers on Aug. 3. Two more performances are slated for the 2022 summer concert series. This includes Raider Eddie and the Skeletones – an eight-piece R&B band with horn selection – on Aug. 17, and Cobblestone Road, a country band, on Aug. 24.
Skowyra noted that there will not be a concert on Aug. 10, as Hitchcock will be hosting their 8th annual Sip and Stars fundraiser at the Brimfield Winery beginning at 6 p.m.
As the summer concert series takes place outside, Skowyra said the rain date is on Thursdays.
Aside from the music, Skowyra told Reminder Publishing that they have recently added food trucks. “It’s a great addition,” she said. “If people are coming from work, they have the option to grab food here” rather than bringing dinner from elsewhere.
There is no cost to attend the summer concert series. Skowyra shared that they have several sponsors who assist in funding the five-week event. Sponsors include Country Bank, Mass Cultural Council, First American Insurance Agency, Soto Home Care, Shirley Frye Memorial Fund, Marchand Pressure Washing and of course, Hitchcock Free Academy.
Now that the town common improvements are complete, Skowyra said the Brimfield Historical Commission will be making a dedication of the new gazebo in August. She explained that Hitchcock is working in partnership with the Historical Commission. At press time, the date of the dedication had not been determined, however, Skowyra said it will take place during one of the remaining concerts.
After the first concert, Skowyra shared that she heard positive feedback from attendees. “[The] people that were there had a great time,” she said. “They like the upgrades that have been made [to the common].”
She noted that attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on during the concerts. “There’s plenty of shaded areas and plenty of room for kids to run around,” added Skowyra, as the event is family oriented.
For additional information on the summer concert series or to learn about other events hosted by Hitchcock Free Academy, visit https://www.hitchcockacademy.org/.