by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The grassy area surrounding the gazebo near the Council on Aging on Nahatan Street was absolutely packed on Monday, July 29th. The large crowd was there to see popular local children’s singer and songwriter Stacey Peasley, who was performing with her band. The concert was part of the Summer Concert Series sponsored by the Westwood Young Women’s Club (WYWC).
Families spread out blankets or chairs and unpacked picnics or purchased pizza, drinks or ice cream from WYWC volunteers. A group of children gathered together in front of the gazebo to dance and sing along to Peasley’s award-winning songs while friends and neighbors chatted nearby. The location of the annual concert series is fantastic, as it offers plenty of parking at both the Council on Aging, the high school, and Nahatan Street. In addition, its close proximity to the tot lot play area is ideal for parents and little ones alike.
“I love this song!” one young attendee said, while running through the crowd with an ice cream held high.
Peasley has been performing for over 30 years, with the last 15 being devoted to children and families. In addition to performing at libraries, schools, and day care centers, she offers music classes and concerts at larger venues as well. More recently, in an effort to give back to the community, she began a collaboration with Coco Tree Kids. This nonprofit organization provides new underwear to at-risk youth in Massachusetts, and Peasley is bringing a bin with her to all of her shows to collect donations from anyone wishing to contribute a new package of undies to the cause.
The 2024 Summer Concert Series concluded on Tuesday, July 30th with Evan Haller’s Music at the Blissful. This event had been rescheduled from its original date of July 15th due to inclement weather.
According to their website, the WYWC “is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to the betterment of the Westwood community.” WYWC hosts numerous family-friendly events throughout the year, such as the Summer Concert Series and HarvestFest. More information about the organization and upcoming events can be founds at wywc.org.
