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Date: 8/16/2023
SOUTHWICK — If it were possible to revisit the 20th century to listen again to the legendary singers and musicians of the time, you’d be in a crowd watching Tony Bennett, the Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald and many others who made musical history.
The performers can’t be brought back, but Page One Productions of West Springfield and The Brass Rail Meeting House in Southwick are doing the next best thing. They’re presenting dinner and luncheon shows that reprise a bygone era of music that was instrumental in giving people something to dance and sing along to — taking their minds off some difficult times.
Musicians and vocalists will be appearing during shows at the banquet hall on Congamond Lake.
“This is such a heartwarming opportunity on several levels,” said Roberta Page, president of Page One Productions. “My Uncle Gino Boccasile was the original owner of Gino’s Brass Rail, which he started around 1933. It’s like a homecoming for me. He brought all big-name entertainers from New York and beyond. It used to be quite the hub for featured and memorable talents and a place to go for a special evening or day of excitement, enjoyment and fabulous food,” Page remembered.
The Brass Rail itself is recalling the early days, too. The venue has been “beautifully restored, refurbished and revamped,” said Page.
The debut performance stars The O Tones of Florence. They’ll kick off the series on Sept. 16 and feature a Big Band Tribute. Then on Sept. 20 there will be a Big Band luncheon.
“The Big Band era of the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s was way before my time, but the musical hits are still popular with many folks today, especially the more ‘seasoned’ or those of the older generations,” said Page.
“For me, the songs have been great for listening or dancing and the lyrics are easily understood,” she continued.
The deadline to purchase tickets for the Sept. 16 show is Sept. 13. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., buffet begins at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:15 p.m. Dancing is from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 and include the buffet.
The deadline to purchase tickets for the Sept. 20 show is Sept. 15. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., buffet begins at noon, show starts at 1:15 p.m. There is no dancing. Tickets are $58 and include the buffet.
All shows require prepayment and there are no refunds.
For more information about times and reservations, email PageOneProductions@att.net or call 413-530-8000. Checks or money orders should be made out to Page One Productions and mailed to P.O. Box 423, W. Springfield, MA 01090; indicate which show in the memo section.