WESTFIELD-For fans of Led Zeppelin, the sports field behind the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield on West Silver Street will be the setting for a rock ’n roll open air concert featuring Kashmir on Aug. 29.“We’ve been wanting to bring live music back to Westfield and have heard from people that they are just itching to get out and enjoy a concert again,” said Jay Pagluica, co-owner of Gaslight Entertainment, adding, “but we want to do it safely.”Pagluica, along with co-owner Patrick Berry, had been discussing a “drive-in” type of event with Boys and Girls Club officials and a movie idea immediately came to mind.
Kashmir will take the stage on Aug. 29 in Westfield, hosted by Gaslight Entertainment and The Music Department. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“We wanted to take it a step further and do a drive-in concert,” said Pagluica. “This is the first of its kind in southern New England that we’re aware of. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Westfield Boys and Girls Club.”Kasmir: The Live Led Zeppelin Tribute event is being produced by Gaslight Entertainment and The Music Department, and will feature Dan Watson as the opening act at 7 p.m.“Dan is from Mystic, Conn., and plays in a variety of popular southeast Connecticut bands and he also has a very popular solo act of which he will bring to our show,” said Paul Lococo, owner of The Music Department, who is also serving as the event organizer.Lococo noted that the Kashmir concert will offer “big venue sound and special effects” without having to go to a large indoor venue.“The music of Led Zeppelin appeals to a wide variety of age groups,” said Lococo. “Their combination of heartfelt ballads, rock anthems laden with guitar harmonies, and their unmistakable sound has propelled the band for the past 40-plus years to be one of the most successful and popular bands in music history.”Lococo said Kashmir is the “most authentic” representation of Led Zeppelin on the modern national touring scene.“Each of the four band members assumes their individual role with pinpoint accuracy,” said Lococo. “Kashmir possesses the live stage show, sound, and likeness to bring audiences and fans back to the days when the mighty Led Zeppelin ruled the musical landscape.”Tickets are on sale at Rocky’s Hardware on Main Street, at www.purplepass.com, or by calling (800) 316-8559. A rain date of Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. has been set.“While most area live events are being canceled, this event offers a safe way to enjoy live music again,” said Lococo. “Enjoy this concert for just $80 per car – a great deal for live entertainment.”Lococo noted that attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets if they wish to sit outside their car since the space on the drivers’ side will be their designated area to enjoy the concert.“Cars will be spaced in between your outdoor space providing a buffer zone from others,” said Lococo, adding that all of the public safety guidelines provided by local and state health officials will be in place.Water and other soft drinks and snacks will be sold on-site by the Boys and Girls Club.“Attendees can bring coolers but we ask that people support the Boys and Girls Club and buy soft drinks and water from them,” said Lococo.Bo Sullivan, chief advancement officer at the Boys and Girls Club, thanked Gaslight Entertainment and The Music Department for choosing the club as a beneficiary of the event.“This will be a great night for the city of Westfield and a chance to get out and enjoy some great entertainment,” said Sullivan. “Music is a great way to bring people together and Kashmir, and Led Zeppelin, will do just that and give the community a chance to just relax and have a little fun.”Pagluica shared a similar sentiment.“The Westfield Boys and Girls Club has been working hard and spending a lot of money to make the facility safe for kids this summer,” said Pagluica. “If we can help contribute a few dollars to that effort, it’s good for everyone.”Lococo said Gaslight Entertainment and The Music Department have brought several benefit concerts to the Western Massachusetts area, including the Beatlemania Stage Show to benefit the Westfield High School and Chicago Total Access which benefited the Westfield Police Auxiliary. Of late, Gaslight Entertainment hosted a winter concert series at the Westfield Woman’s Club until the coronavirus pandemic shut down further events.“The city of Westfield has been supportive of this drive-in effort,” said Pagluica. “We’re very grateful that we have the city to work with. We all want to ensure the events are as safe as possible. We’re excited and hope the idea takes off. If it does, you can be sure there will be more.”Lococo concurred.“Kashmir is the next best thing to the real Led Zeppelin,” said Lococo. “Why fight the crowds at a big venue and pay hundreds of dollars for tickets when you can see the next best thing right here in Westfield at an affordable price and all for a good cause supporting our community.”
