Friendship Band to Perform at Forbes Library on July 10

The Friendship Band rocking the stage as The Clash during Transformance 35 last year at Look Park.

The Friendship Band, a Northampton-based group that brings together musicians with and without disabilities, will perform a free outdoor concert on the Hess Performance Stage at Forbes Library on Friday, July 10, at 4 p.m.

The band is part of Whole Children™ and Milestones, ServiceNet programs that provide recreational, social, skill-building, and enrichment classes for children, teens, and adults of all abilities.

During the past decade, the Friendship Band has built a loyal following throughout the Pioneer Valley with its mix of original songs and covers, memorable collaborations with indie rock legends Yo La Tengo, and standout performances at the annual Transformance at Look Park.

Bass player and band spokesperson Eddy Hougen said the July performance is a chance not only to share music but also to recognize an organization that has long been a valued supporter of ServiceNet and its programs.

“The Friendship Band is all about bringing people together, having fun, and showing what can happen when everyone has a chance to participate and be heard,” said Hougen, an instructor in the Milestones program. “We’re especially excited to play at Forbes Library because they’ve been a wonderful community partner over the years. We’re grateful for that partnership and excited to share some music with the community.”

In addition to donating books for ServiceNet’s Wellness Program book sale, Forbes has displayed artwork created by ServiceNet artists and helped create other opportunities for engagement and visibility in the local community.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an afternoon of music on the library grounds. Additional event details, including weather-related updates, will be announced closer to the performance date.

To learn more about the show, the Friendship Band, and the Whole Children and Milestones summer class schedule, tune in to WRSI 93.9 The River at 9 a.m. on July 1, when Hougen will speak with host Steve Sanderson.

The concert is free and open to all. For questions, email [email protected].

To learn more about ServiceNet’s programs for young people, visit https://www.servicenet.org/whole-children-and-milestones.