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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Alexis Madison isn’t quite sure how long the Summer Concert Series has been going on, but she knows it’s a well-established Sherborn tradition. The Friends of the Sherborn Library have been putting it on since the Friends Board Member moved to town, which was four years ago. “It’s probably been at least 10 years knowing the Friends!” she said.
On Wednesday, July 19, Sherborn residents gathered on the lawn in front of the Universalist Unitarian Church to listen to local band Group Therapy play covers of classic rock. Despite the immense humidity, the sun was out, the sky was clear, and families littered the lawn with picnics, lawn chairs, and pets alike.
“Right now we’re holding it here because the library is still under renovation,” Madison explained. “So it’s nice that there is still a turnout of people supporting Friends’ events while the library is under renovation.” Normally the series is held on the lawn near the Library, which is visible from the new location. Group Therapy was the third band in the series this summer, preceded by Infractions, a funk, hip hop, alternative rock and 70s/80s band, and Edgewater Road, an 80s cover band. July 26 hosted the last of the series, featuring Blue Horizon Jazz Band, who play classical jazz.
In terms of crowd size, Madison explained, “Depending on the band and the kind of music, it draws different generations. This is one that actually is well attended by all generations because it’s classic rock.” The bands are all local and tend to return year after year. In fact, one of Group Therapy’s members is a Library Trustee. This year, to make the event more family friendly, the Friends began to sell refreshments. “Since it happens right as people are getting out from work, the Friends are selling pizza and drinks and popsicles, to make it easier for families to show up right after the work,” Madison explained.
Madison shared that in spite of the Library being closed, the Friends’ events have been exceptionally well attended. Many of them are held in the Community Center, which despite its small size, has drawn a sizable crowd.
“We call the Library the living room of our community,” said Madison. “This is the outdoor living room of our community for the summer!”
