Latest news with #TomAshe
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Springfield to host 8 concerts, 10 movies for free this summer
SPRINGFIELD — People looking for inexpensive family fun this summer won't have to go far, since the city is returning with a full lineup of its free movies in multiple parks and concerts at the Forest Park Amphitheater. The fairly low cost to the city is worth it for the enjoyment that everyone — from toddlers to retirees — get from the annual summer tradition, said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno when announcing the lineup. There will be eight concerts and 10 movie showings in July, August and September. 'It brings families of all creeds, colors and backgrounds together,' Sarno said. 'You can't put a price tag on these events. It is a real morale booster.' It will cost $34,150 to host the movies and concerts from a budget that tops $985 million. In good weather, the concerts attract an average crowd of 500, while movies bring in upward of 200 families, said Tom Ashe, director of parks, buildings and recreation management. All eight concerts are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Forest Park Amphitheater and will be moved inside to the Carriage House in case of rain. 'There is really something here for everyone,' Ashe said. Ashe said his staff created a robust lineup to offer everything from country and blues to rock, and a few local favorites who play every year. This year the schedule begins with Dee Reilly on July 17 followed by Manzi Family Band on Aug. 7. The rest of the schedule is: Aquanett, Aug. 14; Bennie and the Jets, Aug. 21; Trailer Trash, Aug. 28; Floyd Patterson Band, Sept. 4; and Unforgettable Fire, Sept. 11. The last performance is new to the lineup but will highlight one of the city's assets with two quintets from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra performing Sept. 18. Sarno said he is hoping the last performance will serve as a way to promote the symphony, which has struggled with a comeback since COVID shutdowns in 2020. 'I hope people who have never seen the symphony will enjoy the performance and will want to see another show,' he said. White Lion Brewery will be at the concerts selling food and beverages from its truck. Other food trucks also park at the movies and concerts, so people can buy dinner and make it a full night, Ashe said. The concerts are a tradition that date to the 1980s, and the city also has hosted movies on its inflatable, portable screen for more than a decade, said Sydney Pasini, special event coordinator for parks and recreation. The movies will travel to 10 different spots across the city, giving families a chance to head to their neighborhood park close to home. Each will begin at 8:30 p.m. and will be canceled if it rains, she said. The city this year selected three movies to show, with 'Moana 2' scheduled for July 14 in Samuel Bolden Park, July 16 at the Forest Park amphitheater and July 18 in Emily Bill Park. 'The Wild Robot' will be held July 21 at Marshall Roy Park, July 22 at Riverfront Park, July 23 at Emerson Wight Park and July 25 in Hubbard Park. 'Padding in Peru' will be held July 28 in Kenefick Park, July 30 in Nathan Bill Park and Aug. 1 in Van Horn Park. Ashe joked that he told Pasini she could select the movies but had to watch each five times before ordering them to ensure there is nothing inappropriate for children. In truth, Pasini said she does watch each twice and selects movies that are current and recommended by people and she thinks families will enjoy. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bright Nights at Forest Park celebrate 30th season with appreciation breakfast
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Spirit of Springfield is celebrating 30 years of Bright Nights at Forest Park during its annual appreciation breakfast on Tuesday. During the event at the Sheraton Springfield, two first responders and two colonels will be recognized by the Spirit of Springfield for the service they provide. The following will be honored by Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt and Executive Director of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Tom Ashe: Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte Springfield Police Officer Joseph Brodeur Colonel David Halasi-Kun, Wing Commander for the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base Colonel Gregory Buchanan, Commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Force Reserve Base 'It was another spectacular year for Bright Nights at Forest Park,' said Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. 'We had visitors who have been taking the holiday tour since 1995. We welcomed new visitors, and awarded prizes to the 30th, 300th, 3,000th, and the 30,000th cars.' Will Massachusetts abolish daylight saving time? 'The Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management has been a bright light in our 30-year collaboration, first with Patrick Sullivan, who retired last year, and now with his predecessor, Tom Ashe,' added Matt. 'The department does an incredible job with the event's infrastructure, from the lights to the landscape.' Those who attend the breakfast will be given a new Bright Nights at Forest Park interactive book, 'A Magical Wonderland'. To purchase the book, visit for more information. In a news release sent to 22News from the Spirit of Springfield, proceeds from Bright Nights at Forest Park help to fund their annual budget to present events that include the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield, September 11th Remembrance Ceremony, and the upcoming free concert by the U.S. Air Force Academy Concert Band. This year's Bright Nights at Forest Park's 31st season will open on Wednesday, November 26th. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
