Joyful Concert Series Comes to New England Dream Center

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Features Team

The Hip-Swayers, performing their own brand of country/Americana music, will be the featured performer at this week's edition of the Joyful Concert Series.  

Sponsored by the New England Dream Center, the weekly concerts begin at noon each Friday through August 31.   Upcoming acts include the Post Road Chorus, Merrick Section and Cara Brindisi.

The free concerts began as a way to encourage the clients of the Dream Center's Adult Day Program, one of their many programs designed to help those in need.  Other programs include services for the neurologically challenged, individuals struggling with addiction, homeless, youth, unemployed and elderly; the care is tailored for each individual.

Gregg Thomas, Director of the Adult Day Health Center, originally came up with the concept of the Joyful Concert Series, after a performance for the Adult Day Center by the Hip-Swayers two years ago.  

Thomas thought that a series of concerts would be a great way to bring more enjoyment into his clients’ lives.

Booking and Event Coordinator Meggan Cantlin said the series got its start when she found Long Island-based band The Mondays through an ad on Craigslist that called for willing bands to donate their time to  the NEDC.  “We had these amazing bands responding. It was so exciting to really have it be happening. Everything just started falling together perfectly," Cantlin said.

NEDC staff all worked together to make posters and flyers, market the idea to local businesses, and contact and book bands.  Even the NEDC’s clients pitched in, baking cookies to pass out to attendees.

 “They like to give back,” said Cantlin. “Originally we did it for them, and now they’re sharing it. I think it’s an important lesson.”

The NEDC succeeded in its goal of bringing joy. Thomas commented, “The initial response was beautiful to see. They loved it.”

Friday’s show will be the Hip Swayer’s third volunteer performance for the NEDC. The band is in strong support of its goals and stated, “The Dream Center’s Adult Day Program is a much-needed and wonderfully run program with a strong emphasis on music, poetry and the creative arts as therapy…they have a state of the art venue…so it’s definitely a ‘joyful’ experience for a musical performer.”

Doors open at 11:30am with the warm-up act Just Percussion. In coming weeks a variety of different genres will be represented, ranging from hip hop to classical to barber shop.
 

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