Here is your host Dana Stewart!
A few questions for Dana about what’s going on at Westport Recreation.
Can you tell us what inspired you to start the summer concert series and the summer movie series?
During the covid pandemic it became important to offer recreation programs that took place outside in fresh air for the initial fear of covid spreading to people. Creating outdoor concerts and outdoor movie nights seemed like a perfect way to start getting people to enjoy recreating again. The Westport Recreation Department partnered with the Westport Cultural Council to offer the first outdoor movie experience in October 2020 (Ghostbusters), which was a hit! The Westport Recreation Department then applied for and received the Helen E. Ellis grant to create the Summer Concert Series and the Outdoor Movie Nights that had its first year of those happening in 2021. We have the goal of these being annual events for the town of Westport to enjoy!
What bands did you ask to play? Can you tell us a bit about them? Can you tell us about your film choices?
For this year (2022) our band line-up was the following:
- That 60’s Band (Classic 60’s music from guys that were there.)
- Rayz Havoc (80’s rock tribute band)
- Moxie (Cover band featuring hard, pop & alternative rock music from the 90’s & 2000’s with an awesome female lead singer.)
- Wild Nites (Favorites from all genres and eras, including rock, pop, dance and party music.)
- Loose Screws (Awesome country music and more!)
- The Oh Nos!!! (Beatles tribute band)
- NB Rude Boys (Ska, reggae, rock-steady, jazz and punk rock music. A large band that also features horn players.)
- Calamity Brain (Original rock, funk & blues with some choice cover songs mixed in.)
For the film choices we try to choose popular movies that appeal to both kids and adults so the whole family can enjoy them! In some cases, movies such as Top Gun and Back to the Future bring back a sense of nostalgia for adults while maybe introducing something new to kids. The movies Encanto and Jungle Cruise are good ones for children to watch while still giving interest to adults. Our choice for this October is Hocus Pocus, a classic Halloween movie that is seeing a resurgence with the new one coming out soon too.
Is the programming at Westport Recreation primarily geared to families?
It is always our goal to offer a large variety of recreation programs for all ages and interests so that we might help improve the quality of life for individuals, families and the community at large. This includes programs for young children, school age children, teens and adults. We offer weekly programs, one-time special events or workshops, and holiday events such as our upcoming “Halloween Happening” program for families. Kids and teens enjoy our after-school programs, tennis lessons and summer camps. Adults enjoy our evening programs such as: art workshops, jewelry making, book club, sound healing and adult pick-up basketball (to name a few). We have innovative programs such as our “Community Youth Rowing ” program where teens get to row on the Westport River with the help of the non-profit group Dharma Voyage. We’re also excited to add new theatre improv workshops this fall as well as another Babysitting Workshop for teens. We offer recreation programs throughout the year and are always open to new ideas and love talking to people who may want to help run a program. In addition, we are happy to rent out the Annex Gym to people in the community who may want to use it for their own birthday party, sports practice or special event. The benefits of community recreation are many and include: overall improvement of health and wellness, opportunities to socialize with others and meet new friends, learning a new skill or hobby, enjoying the creative arts, and more! To view or sign up for any of our programs, please visit our website at www.westportrec.com!
What ideas do you have for the outdoor stage for next summer?
We hope to continue offering the Summer Concert Series and Outdoor Movie nights! I am also working with a new theatre teacher who I hope will offer a summer theatre camp and performance on the stage. Other ideas that have been considered include: a magic show, a kids show, a local talent show and more! If anyone in the community is interested in volunteering or being contracted to help run a program or event, please contact Dana Stewart, Recreation Director, stewartd@westport-ma.gov.
Below are some shots of the Summer Concert Series, hosted at the Outdoor Stage by Westport Recreation! Funded by the Westport Cultural Council and the Helen Ellis Trust and Bank of America.
