Police Relief Association concert rocks the Stackhouse

Jul 27, 2019

Where in Dartmouth can you dunk a cop, drink sangria, get your kid’s face painted, and listen to rock music all in one evening?

At the Dartmouth Police Relief Association’s annual Concert on the Green fundraiser, of course!

This year’s concert saw the Association change to a new venue, the Stackhouse Club at 16 Faith Street in Bliss Corner.

People were packed in on camp chairs and picnic tables. Parents sipped beer, wine and sangria while their children bounced in a bounce house and got their faces painted with pokéballs and pirate eye patches.

There was also plenty of food on offer, including hot dogs, french fries, linguica, and bifanas, as well as a 50-50 raffle, where half of the proceeds are offered as the first prize.

The evening kicked off with New Bedford DJ Gene Daniels opening before headliners Merchants of Cool took the stage, playing classics by Foreigner and Bad Company to the jam-packed venue.

But first, the South Coast Young Marines presented the colors as everyone rose for the national anthem.

“It’s a better turnout than I thought,” said Police Relief Association President Rich Medeiros. “We did well with the attendance, and everybody I’ve spoken to is enjoying the new venue.”

He wasn’t wrong. Concertgoers were outspoken about how much fun they were having.

“This is really nice,” said Dartmouth resident Katrina Carmo. “It’s family friendly, and the band’s kickin’!”

Her friend Susan Massey agreed. “We like outdoor venues,” she added, before pointing to her raffle tickets. “And we’re definitely going to win!”

Lauren Marden brought her daughter Rhaya Correiro — who will be turning two next month — to the concert to support Dartmouth police.

“We try to support any town function we can, because her father works for the town,” explained Marden. “We’re having a blast!”

But not everyone was as thrilled to be there.

Dartmouth Police Patrolman Justin Medeiros was under the dunk tank, still in uniform.

“It’s so cold,” he shuddered after one particularly well-placed throw sent water cascading from a bucket onto his head. “I can’t win.”

After wiping his face and shaking the water out of his hair, Medeiros smiled ruefully.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” he said with a laugh. “This is my sixth year, so after this I think I’m done.”