LEOMINSTER – The name and theme of this year’s summer concert series at Carter Park paid tribute to the man who was dedicated to spreading the joy of music and bringing it to the city. Owen J. “Sonny” Levine founded the Leominster Summer Concert Series and coordinated it for a decade before his passing last September after a long battle with cancer.
For his final concert season, Sonny wanted it to be all country and Stomp N’ Holler was one of the bands that helped make his wish come true. Stomp N’ Holler drummer, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and music director Stephen Bourassa said they enjoyed swinging into town on Aug. 22 to help honor his memory as part of the shows dubbed Sonny Levine’s Summer Concert Series.
Bourassa said that while he didn’t really know Sonny, he talked to the longtime city resident for a bit when Sonny decided to make this year’s summer concert series all country music. “He knew it was going to be his last and wanted to make it something that he thought everyone would love, including himself,” Bourassa said of what inspired Sonny to choose the theme. “He knew his days were numbered but he thought he’d make it to see this through.
He had a good attitude about it all.” Stomp N’ Holler played a lively show that included songs by Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Miranda Lambert, Tanya Tucker, Kane Brown, Patsy Cline, John Denver, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Billy Ray, and a whole lot more. There were many people in attendance who.