First concert at Dundee Park a rocking success - By Michelle Libby

There’s nothing better than jamming out to a great band live, unless it’s listening to the live music at Dundee Park in Windham while swimming and hanging out with friends. This was exactly what happened last Wednesday at the first Concert in the Park night.

The Hurricanes kicked off the series with a collection of pop, current and oldie danceable tunes. They interacted with the audience and made the concert fun despite having their audience all over the park looking for shade or a place to grill. 

“This is a treat for us,” said Mike, lead singer for The Hurricanes. “We’re happy to kick it off. Hopefully more people will come with word of mouth.”

 

“Music is good for you. Come have fun,” said Patrick, the drummer. 

The original members of The Hurricanes have been together since 1986 at Deering High School. This version has been performing all over southern Maine for 12 years. The five man band includes Mike, Snoopy on lead guitar, Bobby on bass, Sunny on Sax and Patrick on drums. 

 “It’s all about interacting with the crowd and getting the crowd involved,” said Snoopy. 

The hot evening was perfect for swimming and sitting in the shade. The audience ranged in age from kids to seniors. Families grilled, brought picnic dinners and visited with friends, all with the music in the background. 

“I haven’t been down here in 50 years, since before it was a park,” said Allan Phinney. “This is a nice little park.” 

“You never look in your own backyard,” Rachel Phinney agreed. 

Parks and recreation director Linda Brooks was pleased with the turnout of close to 250 people. Cars were parked down the access road off Presumpscot Road filling the parking lot. The concert started at 6:30 p.m., but people trickled in all night. 

Dance Studio of Maine’s competition dance team sold concessions and every week a different non-profit will sell baked goods, chips, popcorn or other snack food as well as water. 

Eighty-year-old Sally Phipps of Windham signed up to attend all four concerts. “With the first song I knew I’d hear good music,” she said. She clapped and shook her hands to songs from her generation, she added. 

The concert series will take place every Wednesday for four weeks. The final two concerts are Douglas Elder and top local musicians on July 27^th and on August 3 join Rick Charette. For more about these performers visit Town of Windham on Facebook. The concerts are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The park closes at 8 p.m. For more about The Hurricanes, visit them at www.TheHurricanesMaine.com.