Musical acts include Dan Kane & Friends, Mike & Steve Pitoniak, Island Party Boys Band, Janet Ryan & Her Singing Stars, the Agawam Melody Band, and more. Watch video
WESTFIELD – Musical Moments, a free summer concert series, has returned to Amelia’s Garden on the Amelia Park property this summer.The concerts are held outdoors in the garden on Tuesdays and are open to the public.
“We have just about everything,” said Carole L. Appleton, executive director of Amelia Park Ice Arena. “We have a little jazz, Broadway, easy listening, soft rock, blue grass, favorites and (19)30s and ‘40s.”
The concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at about 8. They will run through Aug. 30.
Musical acts include Dan Kane & Friends, Mike & Steve Pitoniak, Island Party Boys Band, Janet Ryan & Her Singing Stars, the Agawam Melody Band, Charlie Galvin Band, Slick Pickers Band, Resurrection Airmen, Ritchie Mitnick & the Sound of Music Singers, James Delnero & the Lost Mountain Band, and Cory & the Knightsmen.
There is a special Thursday concert set for July 14 at nearby South Middle School at which the 215th Army Band from Fall River will be this year’s patriotic concert act.
“They’ll be doing patriotic songs and military favorites,” Appleton said. “We fill the auditorium pretty easily with that concert.”
When the Amelia Park Ice Arena was started 10 years ago in the names of Albert and Amelia Ferst, the Ferst foundation determined that concerts and other community events would be one way in which the property would be serving the public.
“The garden was set up so that every event held there is for the community to enjoy,” Appleton said. “We’re a non-profit 501C-3 rink, which makes us different from other rinks in the area. We try to do something for every season that has no cost to anyone.”
All musicians perform for no fee to Amelia Park.
The arena-sports complex and memorial garden were financed by philanthropist Albert F. Ferst, in memory of his late wife, Amelia. Amelia’s Garden showcases some of Mrs. Ferst’s favorite flowers.
“When you walk into the garden, you’re welcomed by a fountain area where there are some white roses and some small plaques and statues so you understand a little about why the garden was built,” Appleton said.
Beyond the fountain there is a wide open grassy area.
“This is where we encourage people to bring blankets and chairs, and the band usually sets up in the gazebo,” Appleton said. “We have a full-time gardener, and it really is stunning.”
Concerts are held rain or shine. Concessions are offered outside of the garden by the Western Massachusetts Knights adult sled hockey team. Concessions proceeds go towards the Knights ice time.