Route 139

Hanover Center

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Committee Members:

Linda DiNardo, Chair

Bob Shea

For information call

781-826-8019

Highlights of Past Performances

Susan Tedeschi Blues Band

1995-1997

Scott Douglas’ Tribute to Elvis

1998-1999

Metropolitan Wind Symphony

1998

Tulach Ard Bagpipe Band

1998-1999

JJ Reigns Quartet

1994-2000

Bruce Pettersen Swing Band

1996-2004

Sweet Adelines

2002

The Infractions

1998-2004

South Shore Men of Harmony

1998-2000

Harvard Summer Pops

1997

Bob Shea has been a member of the Bandstand Committee since 1989 and has served as its Master of Ceremonies for that entire time.

HISTORY OF THE BANDSTAND

The Satuit Band has entertained audiences at the Bandstand since 1990, closing the season with the annual Labor Day Concert. Pictured in photo are HHS students Ashley Blumberg and Michael Prentky, with Doug Wauchope.  Ashley will be a junior and plays the bass clarinet and saxophone for the high school band. A musician since middle school, Ashley has the unique distinction of having successfully auditioned for and performed with both the SEMSBA and District Music Festivals for the past four years.  Mike is an accomplished trombonist who performed with the high school Jazz Ensemble during this past year. He and Ashley have played with the Satuit Band for the past three years.

Originally conceived by resident Jean Ahern of the Hanover Arts Lottery Council, known today as the Hanover Cultural Council, the idea of erecting a bandstand on the B.Everett Hall playground of Sylvester Field readily captured the interest of the community. Ms. Ahern envisioned that the bandstand would provide a focal point for musical events, cultural endeavors and family activities for all to enjoy. From concert performances, to Halloween Parade activities, to Flag Ceremonies for Veterans, to school picnics, since its official dedication in 1988, the bandstand has fulfilled that promise.

The original Committee to erect a Bandstand for the Town of Hanover was created in 1986 and included Jean Ahern, Ellen Autio, Katherine DiSabato, John Nutter, Elaine Shea, Patricia Shea, Robert Sylvia and Lois Van Doren. The Hanover Woman’s Club, Jrs. became the first organization to volunteers its services toward raising funds for this project. Under the able direction of Kathy DiSabato, club members enthusiastically committed their time and energy to create awareness of the project and successfully brought in the $9,500 necessary to purchase the materials and complete the construction.

In its initial fund-raising letter, the Committee noted that the first one third of the funds required, $3,000, had already been donated by the Hanover Arts Lottery Council, the Hanover Woman’s Club, Jrs. and the Lutheran Church of the Cross. The remaining $6,500 was eventually contributed by a cross section of the community whose names have been engraved on a permanent plaque which has been placed at the site of the bandstand.

Andy Maness of Four Guys in Tuxes, a regular performer at the Hanover Bandstand concerts.

Following two years of planning, a Program Committee, made up of Ellen Autio, Kenneth Clinton, Katherine DiSabato, Elaine Shea, Patricia Shea, and Lois Van Doren, organized the Opening Day Celebration for the New Bandstand on June 12, 1988.  Joseph Zemotel served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. The schedule included ceremonies giving the gift of the Bandstand to the Town’s Board of Selectmen: Janet O’Brien, Chairperson, Donald Deluse, and Margaret Morris. The Flag Raising Ceremony featured the town’s Veteran’s organization and included the National Anthem played by trumpet soloist Paula Swartz.  Musical guests included the Hanover High School Band under the direction of Barton Heefner, the Northeastern Navy Band, the "JUST US" Band, and the Harbour Choral Arts Society, Kenneth Clinton, Conductor, with Paul Carroll, Sandra Adami, and Paula Swartz, piano accompanists. The day’s activities concluded with a family picnic on the field.

On June 26, 1989, the Board of Selectmen voted to place the Bandstand under the authority of the Parks and Recreation Committee. They further voted that one member of the Interim Bandstand Committee, comprised of  Jean Ahern, Patricia Shea, and Robert Shea, be officially appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee, as the one member always designated to coordinate and oversee the Bandstand activities. Patricia Shea was subsequently appointed the Bandstand liaison and served in that capacity until 1998.

At that same meeting, the Board established that a Bandstand Permanent Trust Account be created to "maintain the Bandstand and its related activities" with an initial deposit of $1,000. The Town Treasurer would receive donations and become custodian of the Trust, while the Commissioners of Trust Funds would manage the funds and make investments. Expenditures would be overseen by the Parks and Recreation Committee, with the understanding that only interest would be expended. The principal would be increased through investment profits, transfer of earned interest and donations.

Dale and the Duds began performing in Hanover three years ago and have become one of the bandstand’s most popular attractions.  Having evolved into a local legend, the group specializes in classic rock ’n’ roll music of the 50’s and 60’s. Dale, Randy, Paul, Bob, and Mitch have been appearing in concerts, night clubs and at functions across New England for the last 30 years and are now one of the region’s most popular and recognizable bands.  Using guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and vocals, the band entertains audiences with its unique style and memorable performances.

The Board also created a second account, the Bandstand Concerts Seed Trust Account, to continue the annual Concert Series. With an initial deposit of $2,392.67, both the principal and the interest may be spent toward funding the summer concerts. Excess funds in this account may be transferred by vote of the Parks and Recreation Committee as a donation to the Bandstand Permanent Trust Account. It was anticipated that this account will eventually be closed out when the annual income from the Permanent Trust Account becomes great enough to cover the annual concert costs. As of 2006, the balance in the Permanent Trust Account has nearly reached $10,000, with an annual interest of almost $200.

The Bandstand Summer Concert Series continues to receive wonderful support from the Hanover community.  In 1989, seven concerts were performed at the bandstand with sponsorship from the Arts Lottery Council, the Woman’s Club, Jrs. and several private donations. The performers included the Northeast Navy Band, the 567 Air Force Reserve Jazz Band, the Fort Devens Army Band, the Stone Street Strummers, Country Western Night, the South Shore Brass Quintet, and the South Shore Concert Band.

On June 28, 1998, the Bandstand enjoyed its 10th anniversary with a gala celebration made possible through the generosity of the Hanover Cultural Council, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Woman’s Club Jrs., Roberts Animal Hospital, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and John Davis. Master of Ceremonies, Robert Shea, hosted the event which included a Flag Raising Ceremony by Hanover Boy Scout Troop 1, the National Anthem sung by HHS chorus members Kristin Danker, Kara Loth, Kristin Noonan, and Janice Pratt., a performance by The Cranberry Brass, and a special birthday cake provided by Lorraine’s Corner Cake Shoppe.  In its program booklet, the Bandstand Committee (Linda DiNardo, Catherine Harrington, and Robert Shea) thanked the original Committee to erect a Bandstand for the Town of Hanover, "We acknowledge a debt of gratitude to those volunteers whose vision has become a cultural asset for our entire community. Volunteers throughout the town of Hanover made the Bandstand a reality then, and they continue to contribute their services on behalf of the Bandstand and to the vitality of the Summer Concert Series".  These words continue to hold true today.

For further information please contact: Linda DiNardo, Chairperson at

781-826-8019 or lldinardo@comcast.net ,

Bob Shea at 781-878-4688, or

Parks and Recreation Administrator

Ted Carroll at 781- 626-2263