WESTFIELD-The front door to Whip City Music was open Tuesday night and the songs of Stumpy McToad & Cliché rehearsing for a new city event could be heard as passersby walked along Elm Street.
Bill Westerlind, marketing and communications director of ArtWorks | Center City Westfield, a new grassroots organization started last fall, stopped in to meet the bands and thank them for their upcoming performance on April 30 at Articulture WESTFIELD.
Stumpy McToad & Cliché rehearse at Whip City Music for an upcoming performance at Articulture WESTFIELD. Left to right: Duane Woody, Rachel Zamstein, Joe Desilets, Tony Polo and Doug Cotton.
“Articulture is all about you,” noted Westerlind to those gathered inside Whip City Music. “This is your time to shine and share your music with the community.”
Articulture WESTFIELD, a mixed arts and cultural event at the Westfield Woman’s Club, 28 Court St., will include musical stage performances, a gallery of visual art such as paintings, photography and sculpture, and literary events by local authors. Westfield On Weekends is presenting the event in conjunction with ArtWorks | Center City Westfield. General admission is $5 with children under 12 admitted free. Additional donations during the performances are welcomed.
Joe Desilets and Tony Polo jam during a rehearsal for Articulture WESTFIELD.
“The price of admission is good for the entire day,” said Westerlind. “Come and go as you please, and visit some of the wonderful city eateries in-between performances.”
Westerlind added that Articulture is the organization’s first collaborative event so they want all details “executed well” so patrons will have a great time.
The 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. event will have a full schedule and Westerlind encourages area residents to monitor its Facebook page for the latest information on performances and talks.
Working with all of the artists is Cheryl Crowe, ArtWorks’ creative director, who is excited about the lineup of local artists scheduled to participate.
“This event will have something for everyone from every age group,” said Crowe. “The artists are excited to showcase their talents, so come view, shop the artist’s tables, listen to music and just hang out and relax.”
Crowe noted that she is also working with vendors from downtown businesses to sell food during the event from cupcakes and pizza to other food items.
The day’s main stage performances at press time include:
10-11:30 a.m.: The All Stars from the All Stars Dance Center
11:30-12: to be determined
12-12:30 p.m.: children performing from the Dan Kane Singers
12:30-1 p.m.: Dan Kane Singers
1-1:30 p.m.: Dan Kane Singers
1:30-2 p.m.: Ted Lewis
2-2:30 p.m.: Lisa Martin
2:30-3 p.m.: Santiago Family Band
3-3:30 p.m.: Rum & Steel Band
3:30-4 p.m.: Hart/Woody Band
4-4:30 p.m.: Charlie Galvin
4:30-5 p.m.: Stumpy McToad & Cliché
5-5:30 p.m.: The Keepers
5:30-6 p.m.: Men of a Certain Age
6-6:30 p.m.: Party of 2
6:30-7 p.m.: The Buddy McEarns Band
7-7:30 p.m.: Zeker
7:30-8 p.m.: Whitaker Hill
8-8:30 p.m.: Andyhasaband
8:30-9 p.m.: Esperanto
9-9:30 p.m.: Kelsey Veillette
9:30-10 p.m.: Mental Pause
Crowe noted that from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a host of events specifically for families is slated, including story time, making a mural or paper art, enjoying a musical petting zoo, and seeing the All Star Dance Center dancers perform.
Many of the performers throughout the day will also have CD’s for sale. Bill Curran 3rd noted that Esperanto will be handing out free CD’s with six original songs.
“We play alternative blues rock and modern classic rock,” said Curran, who also stopped in at Whip City Music, adding that some of their music enters “Black Sabbath territory.” Esperanto members also include Neal Liptak, Joel Lee and Joe Desilets.
For band members of Mental Pause, who will close out Articulture, their music ranges from the style of the Eagles to Iron Maiden.
“We cover a wide range of music from the 70’s to the 2020’s,” said Pat Reilly. “Our music is where hard rock is going.”
Mental Pause members joining Reilly include Nick Lapierre, Alex Donahue and Paul Thibault.
Following the hour rehearsal of Stumpy McToad & Cliché, Doug Cotton of Stumpy McToad noted that patrons can expect to hear blues rock during their set. Cotton is also the owner of Whip City Music. He will be joined on stage by Duane Woody on bass, Rachel Zamstein on vocals and guitar, Joe Desilets on drums, and Tony Polo on guitar.
“Our two bands will offer a combination of 70’s era blues rock and classic rock as well as some original music,” said Cotton.
Seating will be available during all performances and a small area will be designated for those who wish to dance to the music, according to Westerlind.
In the lower level of the Westfield Woman’s Club, gallery and literary artists will share the space, featuring freestanding display space for the artists and tables of books by local authors.
Gallery artists scheduled to feature their work include Richard Nowak, an instructor at the Westfield Creative Center, who will also present a painting demonstration at 3 p.m., Debra Dunphy, Connie Motroni, Cathy Guidetti, Pat Conant, Joan Barnard, EE Eidman, Steve Walbridge, Ellen Westerlind, Debbie Hess, Richard Cowles, the Zecca Brothers, and Steve Jones. Literary artists scheduled to sell and talk about their books include Kyle Darcy, Susan Buffum, Robert Thompson, Marcy Heath Robitaille, and Judith Foard.
Also, the main hall will feature artists Tammy Wegiel who will sell her origami pieces, and Sebastian Glebocki who will have several metal sculptures on view, as well as two larger pieces on the lawn. Lastly, classroom art from seven classes at Westfield Head Start will grace the walls of the club.
“This event is for the local artists to display and showcase their talents to their community as well as the ability to sell and advertise their merchandise,” said Crowe. “This will help increase art and cultural attractions downtown driving traffic to provide an additional boost to local businesses.”
A wide range of raffle prizes will also be offered, including a Palmer Pe-Core electric guitar donated by Whip City Music, a purse from Bags, Baubles, and Chocolate, dance lessons at All Stars Dance Center, a CD from Riverside Productions, a tank to blow up balloons from Jerome’s Party Place, and gift certificates from Expert Fitness, Richard’s Grinders, Shortstop Bar & Grill, East Mountain Country Club, Westfield Home & Garden, Westfield Feed and Tangles Hair Salon. Businesses wishing to donate a prize may leave a message on the organization’s Facebook page.
For more details on Articulture WESTFIELD and the organization, visit the Facebook page Art Works | Center City Westfield.
“We are excited about executing a unique and compelling event designed by and for our local artists to showcase their extraordinary talent and entertain the citizens of our community,” said Westerlind.
Crowe concurred.
“Working on this event gives myself, as creative director, our team members, and Westfield on Weekends, the opportunity to do something more for our community, meet new people, meet our local artists, and just have fun doing it,” said Crowe.
