Top Notch Musicians to Perform at Wakefield Concert Series

When Wakefield resident Peter Stickel decided to help his church raise money for a new steeple, he knew from the get-go it would not be your average bake sale.

That's because Stickel, formerly the executive director of the New England String Ensemble, had the experience and the concert production chops to put on a truly unique concert performance series that takes world class musicians and artists and brings them together to perform for North Shore residents in Wakefield.

And so the Standing Room Only (SRO) concert series was born.

"We provide beautiful concerts that are reasonably priced, and bring in top people who are very local, for local people," Stickel said.

The Steeple Chase
Stickel and his group of dedicated volunteers from the have raised about $13,000 over two years for the The Building Fund at 326 Main St, Wakefield, which is dedicated to repairing the steeple on top of Wakefield's oldest house of worship.

"The spire was removed two years ago and it leaves a big missing piece," said Stickel. "The belfry needs major repairs now, and then with any luck, a spire will be added back."

The Performances
To accomplish that goal, Stickel has brought in world-class performers that vary each year, from gospel singers to classical jazz to total rockers like Charlie Farren, the former lead singer of the Joe Perry Project, a side project of the Aerosmith's lead guitarist.

This particular year, called the Voices of New England, follows more of a theme, said Stickel.

"It features the blending of beautiful voices and our pride in New England," said Stickle. "Each concert presents an accomplished ensemble with 'New England' in its name and prominent artists from our region.

The kickoff concert on Oct. 15 features the New England Tenors, an ensemble that harmonizes the appealing sounds of a classical tenor, an Irish tenor and an operatic tenor, who will sing "Songs of Love and Inspiration." Stickel himself will play violin in the concert, and the performance will double as a CD-release party for the group.

Other concerts in the third SRO season include Candlelight Christmas III, Classical Masterpieces and Holiday Favorites on December 18; Love and Chocolate, a Valentine Concert with New England Light Opera on the evening of February 14; and New England Brass Plays Gershwin on April 7.

Ticket Information
A new feature this year is a multi-performance ticket subscription, which will save subscribers money if they plan to attend several of the concerts. Single tickets are $25, or $20 for seniors and students, and subscriptions are $85 and $75 for seniors and students.

Subscribers receive additonal benefits, including reserved seating and free passes to artist receptions, which will not only feature the artists, but New England food specialties like clam chowder and apple crisp.

Tickets are available online at www.sroconcerts.org or by check made to out to “Wakefield UU Church” to SRO/Wakefield UU Church, PO Box 529, Wakefield, MA 01880.