By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Staff
Sherborn Library held another engaging concert on their lawn, this time featuring the Squeezebox Stompers, a Boston area American Roots band that performs a blend of cajun, blues, folk, zydeco, and their original music, any of which is perfect for a summer evening.
The hill was covered in picnic blankets and chairs as Sherborn residents made up the audience in anticipation. A table near the back was set up for kids activities, and this week kids could decorate and fold together their own pinwheels. Over a sheet of paper they could draw whatever image they wanted or just a barrage of colors and fold it together before picking their stick color. Kids raced around with their own pinwheels and let them spin in the wind, bringing the colors they chose to life.
The Squeezebox Stompers had everyone, well, stomping. Between hits like “Goin’ Back to New Orleans” by Dr. John and, appropriately, Clifton Chenier’s “Squeeze Box Boogie,” there was something for people of all ages to bop their heads to. Ralph Tufo’s accordion playing made for some of the unique notes in songs, if you’re someone like myself who hasn’t heard much accordion in their life, but was wonderful to hear. Geoff Wadsworth brought the saxophone rhythm to the music, giving a solo or two when the moment called for it, and even busted out the harmonica to really get into those blues. Jeff O’Neil’s vocals and bass licks gave each song the backbone it needed, and Larry Plitt’s guitar rifts and vocals gave them both a harmony to brag about. Bert Syms’ percussion and everlasting grin had people jamming in their seats, and laughing when he got up with a washboard to bring an unsuspecting audience member into the fray.
Overall it was a worthwhile experience to see. The band gave the summer air something to dance on and had everyone in the crowd swaying along. Don’t forget to check out what is on the docket on the library lawn and enjoy an evening outside.
