Chester Summer Concert Series begins; Okemo hosts music fest; Springfield Rotary scholarship winners

ROTARY SCHOLARS: Springfield Rotary Club scholarship committee chair Bob Flint, of Springfield Regional Development Corp., is flanked by recent Springfield High School graduates Shelby Reardon, left, and Courtney Page, who were recently honored as recipients of $2,500 scholarships from the Rotary Club. Reardon will attend Boston University while Page will be studying at Gordon College. Proceeds from the annual Rotary Penny Sale help to fund the annual scholarship program./Photo submitted.

Chester’s 2013 Summer Concert Series returns to the Academy Building lawn in downtown Chester with five Thursday night concerts from 6:30-8 p.m. starting July 11. The concerts are free and attendees are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating.

Kicking off the series on July 11 is Gypsy Reel with music rooted in the Celtic tradition. Next is a return performance of The Starline Rhythm Boys with their classic country and vintage rock on July 18. New this year is bluegrass artist Big Spike and his band on July 25. On Aug. 1, Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble will play the great Big Band sounds as well as favorites from Motown, swing, classic rock, Latin and ballroom. On Aug. 8, Chester’s own Chris Kleeman and his band will perform the blues along with some originals.

In case of inclement weather, concerts will move to the Stone Hearth Inn on Route 11 West. For more information, call 875-3400.

The Chester Summer Music Series is supported by Newsbank, TDBank, Dakin & Benelli, Chester Family Medicine, Black River Produce, Lisai’s Chester Market, Fullerton Inn, Motel in the Meadow, Vail Law Office, The Vermont Country Store and Springfield Auto Mart. Co-sponsors include Chester Hardware, Vermont Hardwoods, Peoples United Bank. The Chester Telegraph, MacLaomainn’s Scottish Pub, Lawrence and Wheeler, and Willow Farm Pet Services. Friends are Misty Valley Books, Barrett & Valley Real Estate , Andrew Ladd Builders, Ulbrich Law Offices and the Rotary Club of Chester.

Okemo hosts Red, White & Blues Festival July 6

On Saturday, July 6, Okemo presents its third annual Red, White & Blues Festival presented by John C. Stewart and Son Inc. This free concert features popular blues artists from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers take the stage from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Chester’s Chris Kleeman and band, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; Gracie Curran and the High Falutin’ Band, 3:30 to 5 p.m. and The Dave Keller Band, 5:30–7 p.m.

Admission to the family-friendly festival is free. The music performances will take place on the lawn in the courtyard at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. For more information on the festival visit www.okemo.com.

— Compiled by Susan Lampe-Wilson