Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Forest Park will soon be alive with the sound of music. The Springfield Parks Department will host a Forest Park Concert Series on the first four Thursdays in June at the Forest Park Amphitheatre. The outdoor concerts, all scheduled for 6:30 p.m., are open to the public free of charge. Additionally, on July 2, the United States Army Field Band will perform on the ballfield in Forest Park at 2:30 p.m.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said, “I am thrilled to have concerts returning to Forest Park. This is one example of the city moving forward and ensuring that we provide our residents with programs that enhance our quality of life. It is my goal to increase arts and performances in park programming and I look forward to enjoying this year’s talented line-up!”
Executive Director of the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Patrick J. Sullivan stated, “The Park Department is proud to have concerts back at the Forest Park Amphitheatre. I would like to thank the Barney Trustees, as it is through their efforts in the management of the Barney Estate that we have the resources to coordinate these great concerts. We encourage everyone to pack a picnic basket and enjoy the music in a beautiful setting.”
Western Mass News, City Stage, and the Republican are sponsoring the concert series through Public Service Announcements and technical support. John Heislein, Western Mass News Station Manager, is excited about bringing people together in Forest Park. “We are thrilled to be a part of this community presentation. We look forward to spreading the news of this concert series for everyone in Western Mass to come and enjoy.”
Tina D’Agostino, President of City Stage and Symphony Hall, added, “It has been a pleasure to work with the Park Department in collaborating in this year’s series. This is a unique opportunity for Springfield and Pioneer Valley patrons to enjoy outdoor concerts. We have a Tanglewood in our backyard and to have it resound with music will be a memorable experience for all.”
Wayne Phaneuf, Executive Editor of the Republican, stated, “The Forest Park Amphitheatre will provide a wonderful backdrop for this series. Everett Barney would be thrilled that his estate is once again the site for concerts in this wonderful park. Kudos to Mayor Sarno, the Barney Trustees and the Springfield Park Department for their efforts.”
The line-up of concerts is as follows, with all scheduled for Thursday evenings:
June 1 Dee Reilly & Her Band
Country and Classic American Music
June 8 Leon Spradley
Jazz, R&B
June 15 Dee Reilly & Her Band
Country and Patriotic Music
June 22 The Manzi Family Band
Acoustic Family Culture Folk Rock
Attendees may enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or Route 5 entrances for free after 5:30 p.m. on the nights of concerts. In the event of rain, the concerts will be held at Central High School, located at 1840 Roosevelt Avenue. For complete details, please visit the Park Department website at www.springfield-ma.gov/park/ or call 787-6435.
