PHOTOS: Linden Ponds Concerts a Hit with Residents

It was a chance too good to miss. As the girl with the devil horns on her head stepped off the stage, Linden Ponds resident Bill Kirby got out of his chair and made his way towards the blonde siren. Those assembled in front of the stage at the retirement community in Hingham clapped as Kirby swayed in time to the music as if in a trance before returning to his seat to enjoy the rest of the concert. 

Every Tuesday this summer, the residents have been entertained by a variety of entertainers who perform music from an era before iTunes, compact discs and MTV.

Last week it was the turn of The Belle Tones, a three-piece female vocal group who brought the memories flooding back with a succession of popular songs from the 1930’s to 50’s including ‘Lollipop’, ‘Que Sera Sera’ and Whatever Lola Wants (the song that got Bill out of his seat). 

A large crowd of residents had gathered under the shade of the umbrellas to watch the concert and although they remained seated for the duration of the show, the enjoyment was clear to see, especially when familiar songs from the 40’s came out of the speakers.

The Linden Ponds Summer Concert Series is one of a number of events organized by the residents with the facility management encouraging as much participation as possible, ensuring that the standard of community entertainment is maintained throughout the year.

This retirement community is more like a small town with the 1,200 residents able to enjoy in-house television shows, performing arts and theatre that are all organized and operated by the residents themselves. Music is the lifeblood of the community with various musical projects operating annually and presented in the Performing Arts Center on the site.

“Everything is resident driven, everything has to come from what the residents would like”, said Joe McStowe, Commercial Manager, as he handed out cold drinks to the crowd. “And they will tell you what they like!”