Fun-filled (rain-free) night of music at Pastorius Park

By MICHAEL CARUSO

Whether it was due to pity or merely a twisted sense of humor, the fates that control our weather decided to be kind to the organizers of the summer concert series in Chestnut Hill’s Pastorius Park by offering a virtually perfect mid-August evening last Wednesday for the final performance of the year. A large, diverse and enthusiastic audience was on hand to hear Zydeco-A-Go-Go present a vibrant and lighthearted program of popular and original songs.

It took only a quick glance over the list of titles comprising the evening’s program to realize that one was in for a fun-filled experience. Selections such as “Jalapena Lena,” “Watch That Dog,” “Rock ’n’ Bowl Zydeco,” “Let Me Pass Through Your Window” and “Zydeco Queen” were bound to delight the audience — and delight it they did. People of all ages could be seen down at the front of the natural amphitheater in Pastorius Park dancing to the music of this six-member band. And, with the evening’s low humidity, dancing was a joy rather than an exertion.

With the conclusion of the 2004 season of summer concerts, as well as looking back over nearly two decades of covering these seasons for the Chestnut Hill Local, it’s my feeling that this has been the most artistically and socially successful season of them all. Now, obviously, I’m not referring to the weather. There’s no question that this was a difficult season for everyone involved: the organizers, the performers and the members of the community who make up the audiences.

Several programs were cut short — fortunately that of the Quaker city String Band, unfortunately that of singer Amos Lee — because of sudden downpours. Others were moved indoors to the auditorium of the Springside School in advance of starting time, a cautionary move that always paid off regarding convenience, if not from the standpoint of acoustics. Performers who have set their volume level high because of the expectation of playing outside should be strongly encouraged to readjust their sonic balances whenever their program is moved inside.

Each and every ensemble that plays Pastorius Park should likewise be encouraged to emulate the flawless balance of the performers who graced the park on July 21, the traditional Irish music band, Solas. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a “live” concert, indoors or outdoors, in which the balance between the various musicians was more perfectly set.

In years past, groups such as Solas, as well as Amos Lee, might not have been invited to take part in the summer season. Previous rosters leaned heavily in the direction of concert bands such as the Allentown Band, which performed admirably on June 30. The inevitable result was an audience circumscribed by background and interest.

This season’s organizers opted for performers who would hopefully draw a broader and deeper spectrum of local music lovers. Not surprisingly, their gamble paid off — handsomely. I’ve never encountered a more varied and diverse group of people attending these concerts as I did this year, with several of the audiences breaking attendance records.

Also not surprisingly, everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time of it. Music — of all kinds — has always considered itself the universal language. This season of concerts in Chestnut Hill reinforced that notion.