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Date: 5/1/2019
WEST SPRINGFIELD – This year marks year 56 of the Summer Concert Series in West Springfield. There have already been two concerts underway with the third concert taking place May 31. The West Springfield Park and Recreation department are anticipating another successful summer of music and fun.
Tony Di Giore moved to West Springfield in 1956 with a degree in music education. He became the music teacher and instrumental vocal instructor for grade school level students. In 1960 the director of the Park and Recreation department approached Di Giore saying that he wanted to make the Parks and Rec programs in town about more than just sports, he wanted to make it about the arts as well. After that conversation The Rotary Pavilion was built in order to host concerts in town. Three summers later in 1963, the debut of The Summer Concert Series began and has been a success ever since.
Di Giore has been the main coordinator of the concert series since 1963. He retired from teaching in 1992 but kept his passion for music alive by continuing to organize the concerts.
“I have even been asked to perform!”Di Giore said, “It’s been a great ride, I’ve enjoyed every summer doing this.”
On May 31 The Senior Showstoppers will be performing at the High School Auditorium. This show will be the last for Di Giore as he will be retiring this summer. The 89 year old shared with Reminder Publishing that he is so pleased that he was able to play a hand in constructing the summer concert series, but now, after 56 years, he is ready to relax and pass on the coordinating hat to the next person.
Di Giore has helped to build up the series from just six performers the first year to 22 events in years past. The concerts now take place not just at the Rotary Pavilion but at other landmarks in West Side, town commons or at the high school and middle school. The concerts always take place rain or shine, if the weather is bad, they utilize the auditoriums at the schools. “I hope this goes on for 56 more years!” Di Giore commented, “It’s a great thing for this community.”
The concert series covers a wide age range and a number of different talents to reach the interests of all residents. There are between four and five concerts each month of the summer. For more information about the concerts or for a list of dates, times, locations and performers, that information can be found in the Park and Recreation Summer- Fall Information Booklet. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/e2ea48_a2eea015fd1b4a1992ce9093a7883cff.pdf.