WESTFIELD-“Buskers” will take to the streets of the downtown area on June 24 as part of a fun-filled entertaining day by ArtWorks Westfield organizers and staff members of the Westfield Athenaeum.
“We have been batting the idea of a Buskers Day around for several months,” said Bill Westerlind, president of ArtWorks Westfield. “Easthampton City Arts does a wonderful Busker Day event and we were waiting for the best opportunity to bring our version of Buskers Day to Westfield.”
That “opportunity” coincides with the Westfield Athenaeum’s launch of its first Summer Reading Program kick-off event for all ages on the Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Athenaeum’s summer theme is “Build A Better Library – Build A Better Community – Build A Better World.”
“Our kick-off event is free, fun, family centered entertainment all in one stop,” said Joyce Peregrin, public services librarian.
Westerlind noted that since the kick-off event will attract many people to the downtown area to sign up for the summer reading program and participate in the free activities, the idea of coordinating logistics seemed a “win-win” for businesses and area residents.
“Since folks will already be downtown, we decided to piggyback on that activity to create a venue for the many talented performers and artists in the area and invite residents to explore the downtown area, visit some of the shops and eateries, and experience some outstanding performers,” said Westerlind.
“Buskers” are street performers of all stripes, according to Westerlind, and will grace the Elm Street sidewalks from the Athenaeum to Skyline Trading Company on the west side; on the east side between the Rinnova Building to Chanterelle To Go, and around the corner on Main Street between Blue Umbrella Books and Janik’s Pierogi Cafe.
Tom Sawyer, a musician and organizer of the Open Air Open Mic events on the Green, has been busy tapping into the local music scene to bring a wide variety of players to the downtown for Buskers Day.
“If you are performing, even for one person, you want to give it your best,” said Sawyer. “Most musicians are energized, even driven, by the performance of their skill.”
Sawyer noted that if there are insufficient venues for performers, they’ll play where they can – including street performances.
“Most of the street performers are people who play professionally, either solo or in bands,” said Sawyer. “They love to play so much that they will also play on the sidewalks for whatever gets thrown in their guitar case or tip jar.”
Along with the performers during Buskers Day, a host of events starting at 10 a.m. on the Green are planned by Athenaeum staff including:
10-11 a.m.: performance by Malik the Magic Guy.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Karaoke with DJ Kris Sanders and line dancing with Clara Sanborn & Friends.
12:30-12:45 p.m.: Mayor Brian Sullivan will read “Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel” during story time.
1-2 p.m.: Dan Daniels and Your No Good Buddies will perform original songs and familiar covers in a country-rock format.
2-3 p.m.: a Truck Petting Zoo closes out the festivities at the Berkshire Bank parking lot on Court Street, along with a display of a city fire truck, ambulance and police car.
In addition to these events, the Massachusetts YoYo champion, Tylor McCallumore, will be entertaining audiences from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Green, and throughout the four-hour event there will be a meet and greet with local authors, hosted by Jessica Martin of Blue Umbrella Books, and crafts, face painting, henna, games, balloons, and refreshments.
The Friends of the Athenaeum will also conduct a book sale at First Congregational Church during the event.
“Summer reading programs are always well attended and this is a chance to have a great time with your family or with neighbors and friends,” said Peregrin. “Enjoy the community spirit and get downtown.”
Westerlind echoed those sentiments.
“Supporting these events bring together artists, residents and business owners which creates economic vitality in the city in general and in the downtown metro area in particular,” said Westerlind. “Local artists and performers are given a platform to showcase their talent and residents get the opportunity to experience this talent and support local artists. Residents also have the opportunity to explore the downtown area which helps local merchants and brings some much needed activity to the center city area. These events are a win-win for everyone involved.”
Ward 3 city councilor Andrew Surprise concurred.
“If people want to see a vibrant and bustling downtown, with a good mix of entertainment, restaurants, and retail, then they need to come downtown and patronize our local businesses, and support our local talent,” said Surprise. “The events which ArtWorks and other groups host in our downtown are intended to attract residents and visitors to Westfield. The simple axiom of ‘use it or lose it’ is at play here.”
Surprise, whose constituency includes half of the downtown area, added that events are only a “temporary boost” to the city’s downtown businesses.
“I am working with some of our city departments to address the absence of venues with a more permanent solution,” said Surprise. “To that end a proposal will be submitted to the Traffic Commission at their next meeting on June 21.”
Westerlind added that the Athenaeum has also teamed up with several of the downtown merchants with special coupon offers in the summer reading event program.
“Buskers will be positioned in front of those businesses as well as other locations,” said Westerlind. “Local merchants are thrilled. Anything that attracts people to the downtown area is a big win.”
For one local performer, Marion Dunk, who also serves on the ArtWorks Westfield board of directors, she is encouraging people to get involved in the grassroots effort of shining a light on local talent.
“There is an immense variety of musical talent in the Westfield area,” said Dunk, a member of the folk duo, The Keepers. “Unfortunately there is such a limited variety of places to present this talent – from teenagers to mature adults – so Buskers Day is an opportunity for musicians and citizens to connect, up close and personal.”
For more information on the Athenaeum’s summer reading program events, call (413) 568-7833. For information on Buskers Day, visit ArtWorks Westfield’s Facebook page or stop by their tent near Blue Umbrella Books on June 24. Membership information will be available as well as some pieces by local artists for sale.
