WESTFIELD-Jay Pagluica relishes his time behind the scenes ensuring that stage acts have the right lighting and acoustic capacity that will provide an audience with the ultimate concert experience.
As Westfield on Weekends (WOW) launches Westfield’s MusicFest 2016 summer series this Thursday June 16th on the Green, he is eager to once again provide the lighting expertise he has garnered from more than 30 years in the business of sound and lighting. ATC Audio of West Springfield will provide the technical support for the PA system for the series.
Pagluica and a core group of volunteers begin planning the concert series in January, including lining up sponsors. He noted the committee has a “formula” for the series that includes featuring a local band, a tribute band and a country act.
Jay Pagluica, the new president of Westfield on Weekends, is also instrumental working behind the scenes on lighting for the Westfield MusicFest concert series. He is seen on the Green where the stage will be set for the first concert June 16.
“Whip City Fiber is our primary sponsor and we can’t thank them enough for their financial help,” said Pagluica, adding that the Tavern Restaurant and Commercial Distributing Co. are also key sponsors of the series. Also, the Shortstop Bar & Grill is sponsoring all of the local acts that open each concert.
Weather permitting, Pagluica expects to see between 2,000 and 3,000 area residents attend the first concert on June 16 featuring Still Kickin’ with the Big City Horns at 7 p.m.
“The band plays songs from the 60’s and 70’s and features Westfield High School’s music director Patrick Kennedy on the trumpet and vocals,” said Pagluica. “Westfield’s own Lexi Weege and Friends will be the opening act at 6 p.m. Lexi is a former jazz band student of Mr. Kennedy and has been touring the small club circuit across the country.”
Pagluica added that Weege has a “jazz-oriented sound with a unique, wonderful voice” that should not be missed.
Pagluica’s passion for sound and lighting is rooted in his love for the stage.
“When I was in junior high I fell in love with the magic of the stage and have had a knack for lighting since the 1970’s,” he said. “When you add color to the stage it also creates an excitement and allows for a dramatic moment during the song.”
The series continues on July 21 with local artist Jon Berman opening at 6 p.m., followed by a national country act provided by KIX and iHeart Radio. The series wraps up on Aug. 25 with local acoustic artists Jeff and Sam, followed by Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
“Tusk is as close to the real thing as I’ve ever seen,” said Pagluica. “You will do a flashback to the 70’s.”
Vendors on the Green will include Moo-Licious Ice Cream, Butcher Block, Two Rivers Burritos, Sweet Surprises, Ed’s French Fries, and Edie’s and Angie’s. Beer and wine will be served by the Tavern Restaurant.
Also as part of the festivities, a raffle will be conducted at each concert and an electric guitar will be raffled off during the second intermission. Doug Cotton from Whip City Music on Elm Street is donating all of the guitars.
“We thank Doug for his generosity and as an added bonus, the performers at that night’s concert will sign the guitar,” said Pagluica. “The guitar becomes priceless.”
Even though Pagluica considers himself an “old rock and roller” having grown up in the 60’s and 70’s, he also notes his tastes for all musical styles has evolved over time.
“I now have a love of jazz as well as classical music,” he said. “I appreciate seeing performances live and especially sitting in front of a symphony.”
While Pagluica isn’t ready to retire from his day job yet, he hopes one day to pursue a “dream job.”
“My dream is to build a 400- to 500-seat theater with a restaurant in the city,” he said. “There are so many talented artists who seek to find a place to share their music. To be able to develop a theater for the Greater Westfield area with other partners would be a dream come true.”
While Pagluica ponders the future of the arts scene for the area, he is firmly rooted in his current role as the newly elected president of WOW.
“WOW continues to evolve and I plan to continue the work that Robert Plasse and his team of volunteers started in 2003,” said Pagluica. “WOW’s efforts will take a lot of work and volunteers and I am honored and lucky to be a part of its future. I encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved to check out our website.”
Looking toward Thursday, Pagluica reminds area residents to “bring your blanket, chairs, and friends to the concert,” he said. “It’s an enjoyable night for families in an open air, beautiful setting.”
