The Bernardston Senior Center is putting a twist on its revived Monday evening music program with a socially distant parking lot concert on June 22, featuring music group Dennis and Megs.
Senior Center Director Hayley Bolton said the “wildly popular father and daughter duo” will perform on the steps of the Senior Center at around 4:30 p.m. Audience members will be able to sit in their vehicles, and some socially distant seating will be available on the lawn.
“It’s going to have a Tanglewood kind of vibe,” Bolton said of the upcoming concert. “We used to host music events on Mondays, so this is a way to get back to some normalcy.”
She said Dennis and Megs is a fan favorite at the Senior Center, and they were scheduled to perform in March but were forced to cancel when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Bolton said the duo’s music features a mix of Irish-influenced songs, some oldies and, occasionally, something new.
“They were an easy pick for our first return performance,” Bolton said.
Due to health safety concerns and social distancing requirements, Bolton said advance registration is required, and the Senior Center can only allow 42 members and their caregivers to attend. As of June 11, she said 30 people had already signed up.
Anyone who does not make the cutoff for the June 22 concert will be added to a waiting list and will be among the first called for the next performance in the summer parking lot concert series. Call 413-834-7200 to reserve a spot.
While not everyone will be able to attend in person, the concert will be streamed via Zoom for people at home (Meeting ID: 876 8319 1739 and Password: 2DtetG).
Bolton said the parking lot concert is just one example of the creative ways she and staff members are holding Senior Center activities amid the pandemic. Members aren’t currently allowed in the building, but Bolton said this may change by mid-summer.
Once people are back, exercise classes and other activities may be held, with partitions placed between members for health safety reasons. Bolton said staff members are planning for extensive cleaning and training in sanitation practices.
The Senior Center is also planning a drive-thru barbecue in partnership with the Bernardston Police and Fire departments on July 18. Proceeds will benefit the Senior Center. Full details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.