Traci Mnich & Relentless will perform at Babb’s Park this Sunday, July 15, at 2 p.m.
SOUTHWICK – Spend hot Sunday afternoons cooling off this summer at the Babb’s Summer Concert Series.
The series kicked off last week with The Bistro Boys and continues this Sunday with Suffield resident Traci Mnich & Relentless. The concerts take place at Babb’s Park from 2-5 p.m. and are organized by the Citizens Restoring Congamond. This is the third year for the series.
“We started out with high school kids and it’s grown quite a bit,” said Jerry Crane of the CRC, who said the location of Babb’s is a big reason for the series’ success.
“It’s a beautiful park overlooking the lake,” he said. “People bring their lawn chairs and set them knee-deep in the water and stay cool while they enjoy the show.”
When the CRC first began restoring Babb’s, its main goal was to get the building protected with a new roof and seal and secure the building that used to be a roller skating rink.
“In the first five years we raised and spent a quarter-million dollars,” said Crane.”We protected the building and got it on the National Register of Historic Places, which takes money. Then, in 2008, the grants just stopped.”
Crane said the CRC brainstormed ways to raise funds – and park awareness – and built a stage.
“I have always been involved in music and thought it would be great to have a stage,” said Crane. “It started out with local performers playing just to be heard – it was word of mouth. Now, we have bands calling us and I’m even getting calls from booking agents.”
The CRC is not able to pay a lot for bands, but it tries to bring in the best entertainment it can.
“Most bands bring their families and play for free or for very little because they just enjoy the day,” said Crane.
Boaters can also anchor off-shore and listen to the music.
Crane said this year, in an effort to pay the bands and raise some funds for the park, the CRC is suggesting a donation of $5 per adult. Upcoming shows include The Southwickians on July 22, the Susan Angeletti Blues Band July 29, Ted Lewis and friends on Aug. 5, Changes in Latitude Aug. 12, Katz & Jammers Big Band Aug. 18, The Second Chance Band Aug. 26, and a Bluegrass Festival Sept. 9.
“That’s a big one,” Crane said of the Bluegrass Festival. “There will be nine touring bands performing from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.”
Catering by Karen of Granby, Conn., offers cook-out style food for sale each week.
“It’s just a fun day for the family,” said Crane.
In case of inclement weather, concerts are cancelled. Those on the mailing list will be emailed at 11 a.m. the day of events in case of a cancellation. Visit www.babbspark.org for more information.
