Elvis has left the building. The Rochester Council on Aging (COA) building, that is.
The Rochester COA’s outdoor free summer concert series ended on a high note, thanks to a legendary performance by Robert Black and the Elvis Express Band on Friday, August 28.
More than 400 people showed up on that hot summer night, lounging on blankets and chairs while enjoying the Elvis magic, according to Eric Poulin, Rochester COA Director. The outdoor concert took place on a large green space adjacent to the Rochester Council on Aging building at 67 Dexter Lane.
“The crowd ended up stretching back toward the woods. It was a very big crowd,” Poulin said, calling the event a “tremendous success.”
The tribute band featured Black, dressed like Elvis Presley, putting on his best dance moves and belting out tunes like “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Mama Way.” He encouraged plenty of audience participation, including clapping along to “Mess of Blues.” He bantered with the concertgoers, jokingly asking for them to share their food. (Hot dogs, hamburgers, and other traditional summer fare were available to purchase.)
“The music was great, but the time spent with friends socializing was even greater,” Poulin said.
The show topped off a great season of concerts — all sponsored by the Friends of the Rochester Senior Center, a nonprofit working alongside the town’s COA to support older adults. Earlier this summer, on July 24, about 200 music fans came out to enjoy the beloved local band The Relics, Poulin said.
The concerts and live music are fun, and the camaraderie is good for the soul.
“It is especially important as people grow older to continue to socialize, as studies have shown that this contributes to good health. Isolation can be harmful both physically and mentally to seniors, and to all of us,” Poulin said.
“Events like these also give people a chance to get out and listen to music and enjoy themselves at a time in their lives when they may not be driving as far as they used to for socializing and entertainment,” he added. “This is our third year of outdoor summer concerts, and we plan to keep on doing them as they have been very well-received.”
The mission of the Rochester Council on Aging is to advocate and support the community’s older adults, their families, and their caregivers while promoting independent and positive lifestyles, in a welcoming and secure environment. Individuals or businesses that wish to donate to the Council on Aging to support similar events may contact Poulin at 508-763-8723 or EPoulin@townofrochesterma.gov.
By Laura Pedulli