WESTFIELD – Two entrepreneurs who are bullish on the city will put their talents together to showcase local musicians on the acoustic stage at this week’s Westfield Food Fest.
Al Liptak of Kirby Productions and Mike Freedman of Riverside Productions, LLC, both based in Westfield, have joined forces to sponsor an acoustic stage at this week’s Westfield FoodFest. All scheduled performers reside in the Greater Westfield area.
During a Monday checklist session, Mike Freedman of Riverside Productions, LLC, and Al Liptak of Kirby Productions, both based at the Mill at Crane Pond on Mill Street, said the schedule of performers has been finalized and they are eager to introduce Food Fest attendees to the musicians who call the Greater Westfield area home.
“All of the musicians will be performing original music,” said Liptak, noting both he and Freedman were encouraged when they presented the idea of the acoustic stage to Westfield Rotary members last month.
“Having been involved in the musical scene in the city for years, I knew the crowds would enjoy hearing these musicians play,” he added.
Freedman echoed those sentiments.
“The musicians will present kid-friendly music,” said Freedman. “Throughout the weekend attendees will hear folk, jazz, blues, pop and rock mixed in.”
The Westfield Food Fest is slated along Elm Street this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. At press time, food vendors include the Westfield Rotary Club, Bistro Bus, Pasquale’s, Buster’s, Silver Platter Mobile Catering, Ed & Angie’s Food Truck, Sun Kim Bob Food Truck, Moe’s Donuts, Angelo’s Fried Dough, Ed’s French Fries, Boy Scout Troop 109, Boys and Girls Club, JND Amusements, Moolicious, Ebenezer’s, Miranda Orwat’s Chocolates, Janik’s Pierogies, and The Pahk.
Entertainment avenues will span the three days, including a music main stage, as well as activities for children. Main stage performers on Friday include Esperanto from 5 to 6 p.m., Charlie Galvin from 6:30 to 7:30, and Alt-itude from 8 to 9. On Saturday, the main stage acts include The Keepers from noon to 1 p.m., Maxxtone from 1:30 to 2:30, Kittie Needs A Name! from 3 to 4, Stumpy McToad from 4:15 to 5:15, Whiskey Traveler from 5:15 to 6:15, Baird Souls from 6:30 to 7:30, and Corey and the Knightsmen from 8 to 9. On Sunday, the main stage acts include Whiskey Smash from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Black Coffee Quartet from 2 to 3, Harry Rock from 3:30 to 4:30, and Standing Bear from 5 to 6.
The Saturday acoustic stage lineup includes:
1-1:40 p.m.: Funzzle will perform pop punk for 20 minutes followed by Tree House performing indie/folk music.
2:30 to 3:10 p.m.: Modern folk duo Jake Tuvek and Gabbi Lunardini will perform for 20 minutes followed by Bri Barry and Pat Mack, a duo who will perform songs in a variety of styles including reggae, rhythm and blues, neo-soul and rock.
4 to 4:40 p.m.: Kelsey Veillette’s 20-minute set includes her style of indie/alternative music, and Dan O’Brien’s set follows centering on his modern rock roots.
5:30 to 6:10 p.m.: A Tangled Web will perform a variety of genres including indie, rock, spoken word and pop, and then The Capps will round out the time with its punk sound.
7:30 to 8:10 p.m.: Matt Spence is best known locally for his rock music, and Creepin Cadavers will close out the evening with its psychobilly music.
Sunday’s acoustic stage lineup includes:
12 to 12:30 p.m.: Blues/rock vocalist and guitarist Neal Liptak will take the stage, followed by Mike Freedman and Tyler Stroetzel from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m. performing some of Freedman’s original tunes based on rock, country, and classic rock with a modern influence.
From 3 to 3:40 p.m., storyteller Alex Tuohey will perform folk and pop tunes, and singer and songwriter Adam Buynicki will close out the series from 4:30 to 5:10 p.m. with his music that includes indie, pop, and punk rock.
Freedman and Liptak noted that when they approached each of the musicians to consider volunteering their time for this endeavor, no one hesitated.
“Everyone was on board immediately,” said Freedman.
Liptak added that musicians may have CD’s of their music or other merchandise available for sale during their set.
“We will have a merchandise table so that musicians who wish to sell their CD’s may do so,” said Liptak, adding that a guitar case will flank the stage allowing listeners to also leave tips if they wish to do so.
“We have a good variety of musicians who have been working hard toward their goals,” said Liptak. “Our acoustic stage will have a lot of musicians who haven’t been heard before in Westfield.”
