Concert of the Week – The Squeezebox Stompers gets the crowd singing as “Music In The Park” summer concert season begins

By Laura Eisener

SAUGUS – The first concert of the summer season at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site was a rousing success, with the Squeezebox Stompers getting the crowd to clap and tap and at times sing along. This six-member zydeco/Cajun/Americana band from the Boston area will be playing in many locations this summer and have a newly released album, “What’s So Bad About Feelin’ Good,” which is also the title of one of their original songs. Band member Ralph Tufo is also the author of “Seemore the Seagull,” a children’s book set on Revere Beach.

The Saugus River Watershed Council supplied the audience with chunks of watermelon, lemonade and other treats. Over 100 people of all ages enjoyed the pleasant breezes on the upper lawn after what had been a very steamy day.

That’s one down and seven more Wednesday nights to go in the program cosponsored by the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Iron Works – which was partially funded through a generous grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council.

Howie Conley and the Memorylaners – a longtime, local favorite that performs popular hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s – will entertain the Iron Works crowd for two hours on Wednesday (July 17) beginning at 6 p.m. The group specializes in popular songs from Roy Orbison, The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Elvis Presley, The Platters, Sonny and Cher and many others.

Here’s the remaining performances of the 2024 lineup:

July 24: Mamadou (World Music, West African Rhythms).

July 31: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown, Funk, Hip Hop).

August 7: Atwater & Donnelly (Trad. American & Celtic Folk & Dance).

August 14: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s).

August 21: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop).

August 28: Jumpstreet (Rock, R&B, Blues & Jazz).

The concert series celebrates local musical talents in Essex County and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the Iron Works Historic Site during evening hours. There will be a free concert at the park every Wednesday at 6 p.m. through August 28, weather permitting. The concerts will be held on the upper lawn located at 244 Central St. in Saugus. Bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy live music at the Iron Works.