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 enjoyed it, and all the other country summer concerts this year – just not Sonny.
“I do wish he would have made it one more year,” Bourassa said of the noticeable absence. Mayor Dean Mazzarella said Sonny organized and raised the funding “for each and every concert as another tradition for some music in our city.” “We took care of the insurance and maintenance and those sorts of things, but Sonny was passionate about music and sharing it with the public at no cost,” Mazzarella said.
Sonny lived in the city for over 30 years. He leaves behind the love of his life, Carol, and their children and other family members, loved ones, and friends. According to his obituary, his life was a beautiful blend of two great loves – his family and music – and he was “a dedicated member of the community who wanted nothing more than to bring the gift of music, in any form possible, to the little city he loved so much.
” Sonny was the radio station manager at WLPZ, the city’s radio station, and as a DJ, he “had the extraordinary ability to transport people to another world through the power of sound.” “His music was not merely a playlist; it was an enchanting journey that captivated the hearts and souls of all who listened. Whether he was spinning tracks in a radio station or setting up a booth for private DJ events, his music had the ability to bring people together and create unforgettable moments,” his obituary stated.
“His love of music was not limited to playing recorded tracks either. Sonny spent years as a guitarist playing with many bands in the area and cherished his time behind the mic singing his old Elvis ballads and country throwbacks. No matter the method or delivery Sonny was at his happiest sharing his love of music with the world around him.
” Country Jamboree will be performing at the final concert of the special series on Aug. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m.
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