West Side library to present ‘Music Sandwiched In’ concert series

Feb. 27, 2019 | Stephanie Trombley
stephanie@thereminder.com

Aine Minogue.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Public Library is bringing musical entertainment to the town with the Music Sandwiched In concert series. Music Sandwiched In is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a full line-up of performances.

Christopher Franks, Adult Services Librarian at West Springfield Public Library, explained, “Music Sandwiched In is West Springfield Public Library’s annual spring lunchtime concert series. The shows start at noon in our Community Room, and attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch or a snack to enjoy during the performances.”

Music Sandwiched In started a decade ago as collaboration. “Music Sandwiched In began as a collaboration between the library and the Friends of the West Springfield Public Library, who still fund the series and provide assistance with promotion. The series is intended to appeal to and also reflect the diversity of the library’s community,” Franks shared.

The 2019 Music Sandwiched In concert series will begin with a performance by Aine Minogue on March 2 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Minogue was born and raised in Ireland and is an award-winning harpist, singer and composer of traditional Irish music.

Upcoming performances include folk and blues artists Orlen and Gabriel, jazz singer Lexi Weege, classic performer Laurie Festa, and Jimmy Mazz, who performed hits of the 1950s.

Franks said he believes all attendees will find performances that fit their individual tastes. “This year, performances range from American Songbook standards and classic rock and roll to traditional Irish music and early American folk, so we’re sure everybody from toddlers to seniors can find a performance they will enjoy,” Franks said.

Beginning in the early fall, Franks and the West Springfield Public Library work to determine dates and performers for the Music Sandwiched In concert series. “We keep a list of artists that we have heard good reviews of from other libraries and local publications, as well as recommendations from artists who have performed for us previously. Then, early in the fall, we determine the dates for the series and start putting together a line-up with a mix of styles and performers,” Franks shared.

Franks said he enjoys working with artists each year during the Music Sandwiched In series. “My favorite part of the series is working with the artists and hearing how much they enjoyed engaging with our audiences. Many of the artists we have had in are very excited about the idea of performing in a library.” Franks shared.

For a complete listing of dates and descriptions for upcoming performances, please visit www.wspl.org/news-events/events.  All performances are free and open to the public.

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