Music Runs Through Us at the Vallée Square Concert Series
Ready to rock? Everyone’s favorite summer activity in Westbrook is finally here! Keep reading to learn all about the Vallée Square Concert Series and what to expect from this great concert event this year in 2023!
The History of the Vallée Square Concert Series and Rudy Vallée
The Vallée Square Concert Series, produced by Discover Downtown Westbrook, is now going into its fourth year of existence. In 2023 VSCS will have 8 shows every Thursday night starting on July 13th.
This year’s lineup of bands is excellent and includes several well-known tribute bands. It’s a one-of-a-kind music series in southern Maine that’s influenced by other urban street festivals from around the country.
This series has developed a reputation for great music and lots of fun. It takes place at Vallée Square in downtown Westbrook.
Westbrook was historically home to the famous musician Rudy Vallée. After playing drums in his high school band, Vallée played clarinet and saxophone in bands around New England as a teenager.
Vallée made his first commercial recordings in 1928 for Columbia’s low-priced labels Harmony, Velvet Tone, and Diva. He signed with RCA Victor in February 1929 and remained with the company through 1931.
His last hit record was a reissue of “As Time Goes By”, popularized in the 1942 film Casablanca. The corner of Main Street at Vallée Square has a statue of Rudy, given to the town in 2009 by his widow, Eleanor.
Bringing the Vallée Square Concert Series to Fruition
When the pandemic hit, the music scene in the entire world was in dire straits. Musicians adapted, but nothing would be the same without live performances.
It was at precisely this time that the mayor of Westbrook, Michael Foley, wanted to find a way to get musicians and artists working again. What if there was a way to have an outdoor music night with monitored safety and live bands? What if there was also a space that was dedicated to outdoor dining to help local restaurants?
It was here that the Vallée Square Concert Series was born and came into concept. Michael Foley enlisted several DDW members to build a one-of-a-kind event.
A critical component of the Vallée Square Concert Series is that it involves blocking of a street, which is pretty unheard of! When the idea first came to DDW, people wanted to put it by the river and in the gazebo. But to make it stand out, the group decided Westbrook needed a true street festival that takes place between Frog and Turtle and Portland Pie.
The idea came to fruition, and by year 2 in 2021, it transitioned to the street with a full-blown stage with official sponsors.
What to Expect from the Vallée Square Concert Series in 2023
Fast forward to today, and the Vallée Square Concert Series is now going into year 4! There’s an incredible lineup with well-known bands that draw significant crowds.
People can come and watch at no cost while giving local businesses plenty of extra business and the option to buy drinks onsite at the event. The street festival vibe will be alive and well every Thursday of the summer starting July 13th, featuring Slane, Maine’s Premiere U2 Tribute, followed the next week by No Guts No Glory, which will be 80’s Night, complete with great 80s rock!
Check out the lineup for the whole summer! Many tribute bands, including Queen, Kenney Chesney, Neil Young, and the Beatles, will grace the stage this summer. None of this would have been possible without sponsors, cooperation from the city, and a dedicated team of volunteers to make this hum.
We encourage people from all over to come out and support musicians this summer right in downtown Westbrook. We hope to see you in Vallée Square this summer!
