Last year, local musician/promoter Thomas Kielbania Jr. believed there was enough interest to resurrect the fabled “Kielbasa Fest” in his hometown of Chicopee after it lay dormant for nearly two decades.
Gate totals of nearly 20,000 meat-seekers at the city’s Szot Park not only confirmed his hunch, they inspired him to stretch the 2015 installment to a five-day event.
“Hey, at the end of the day, it’s a Kielbasa Fest,” he says. “So I figured the longer it is, the better, right?”
With the enlarged canvas of May 21-25, Kielbania has also, not surprisingly, upped the musical ante, stuffing more than two dozen bands, including his own Orange Crush, into the mix.
“We have a lot more entertainers than ever and plenty of polka, yes, but this is far from a polka party,” he notes. “Saturday is an ’80s night with tributes to Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Heart, then an amazing Pink Floyd light and laser show spectacular capping it off. But really, the dance floor is going to be open for business through 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.”
Tix for Kielbasa fest are $10 per adult at the gate; $25 for five-day V.I.P. tix and $3 for seniors over 60. A limited number of discounted pre-sale tickets are also available at Big Y while supplies last. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information on the meat, music, and more, kindly point your browser to k-fest.com.
Since we’re linking in, Travelers Championship Golf Tournament organizers have recently announced that at least two classic rockers of note have attached themselves to this year’s event. On Friday, June 26, Dennis DeYoung will perform the music of Styx after the last golfer finishes his round at the MetroHartford Alliance Fan Zone in the center of the course. The following evening, June 27, Bret Michaels of Poison popularity lays claim to said stage for an evening of rock chestnuts and a sneak peek at new material from his forthcoming True Grit solo effort. Entrance to both shows is free with paid admission to the tournament.
In other news, Springfield’s MassMutual Center has announced a big show. Big & Rich, to be exact. The June 18 appearance of the iconic country duo marks the venue’s second major concert event of the year. On Friday, May 29, the MassMutual Center plays host to Kansas and Blue Oyster Cult.
Last but not least, congrats to scene stalwart Lou Barlow, who eloped with his beloved Adelle Louise on May 11 in Greenfield via a Justice of the Peace. Hopefully, the honeymoon immediately followed, as Barlow has quite a touring schedule ahead. In fact, he plays Canada with Sebadoh May 27 and circles back to Hamden, Connecticut’s Ballroom at Outer Space June 5. Then it’s a summer tour as his Dinosaur Jr. hits the road with Primus for a 16-city trek that includes a July 28 stop at Holyoke’s Mountain Park.•
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or email garycarra@aol.com.
