KILLER QUEEN
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Concert Series Powered by Westfield Gas and Electric is now free.
Organizers Jason Polan and Jay Pagluica made the announcement June 9 and said they were thrilled to be able to offer the four concerts for free.
“Jay and I were able to make the concerts free with the support of sponsors,” said Polan.
In addition to Westfield Gas and Electric, sponsors include New Horizon Home Improvement, Witalisz Associates Real Estate, Western Mass Shop Local, Westfield on Weekends (WOW), the City of Westfield and Westfield Lifestyle.
After a year of being socially distanced and without most live entertainment, Polan and Pagluica wanted to switch from a paid, ticketed series to one everyone could enjoy for free.
“Jay and I chose to do this, as we felt it was the right thing to do for our community. Our goal from the beginning was solely to cover costs on this concert — never to make anything,” said Polan. “With changing to free, we were able to get a bit more support. We met with city officials and they are supportive and encourage free shows for the community.”
The Westfield Concert Series Powered by Westfield Gas and Electric includes 33 1/3 Live’s Killer Queen Experience on July 24, The Big 80s Dance Party with Kategory 5 on Aug. 28, Jingo Santana Tribute on Sept. 25 and Rewind to Vinyl, with songs from the 60s-90s, closing out the series Oct. 16 in conjunction with WOW’s PumpkinFest.
The shows will take place at the Westfield Boys and Girls Club field.
Polan said anyone who has already purchased a ticket will be refunded 100% of ticket purchases already made. Polan emailed everyone who purchased tickets, which should be fully refunded in 7-14 business days. “Jay and I are also personally covering the non-refundable service fees so anyone who purchased a ticket will receive a full refund,” said Polan.
Donations will be accepted to benefit WOW and the Westfield Kiwanis Club. Donors will have preferred seating.
“We will have two sections on site at the event: Donation and General Admission,” Polan said. “Our donation seating is for anyone who chooses to make a donation either online or there at the show(s), as well as refunded ticket holders. If you choose not to donate, that is your choice, and we will show you to the free General Admission section.”
There will also be a donation tent so guests can make a donation to WOW or Kiwanis in person. Suggested donation is $10 per person and 100% of it goes back to the nonprofits.
You can also donate here: https://www.westfieldonweekends.com/donate/
“So that we know how many people to expect, we are encouraging guests to go to our Facebook Events Page to RSVP and click ‘GOING.’ This can also be done from www.westfieldlivemusic.com/rsvp,” said Polan.
In addition to the announcement that the four concerts are now free, Polan and Pagluica said thy are partnering with Western Mass Shop Local and they will be hosting a vendor fair at the shows.
“They are planning to have over 100 vendors and we are opening the doors early for shopping,” Polan said. “Western Mass Shop Local will also be running raffles on site with 100% of the proceeds going back to the nonprofit. We are opening the doors early so that people can shop before music begins.”
In partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield there will be a special opening act at all four shows. The first show will be Matty Bussell, who will take the stage at 6:45 p.m.
Wacky Waffles, Butcher Block and Moolicious will be on site offering refreshments to purchase.
Featured performers will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and raffle drawings will be at 9 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, visit westfieldlivemusic.com.
