Free Family Day Concert Featuring “Graceland”‘s Bakithi Kumalo and More

Not only is Wilton home to a new non-profit organization to promote the performing arts, but the town will also play host to the group’s first annual Family Day Free Concert, on Sunday, Aug. 26, at Merwin Meadows.

Even more exciting? Headlining the concert is Bakithi Kumalo, who plays bass for Paul Simon. Kumalo was the original bassist on Simon’s Graceland album, and is taking a short break from Simon’s current tour to bring his all-star “Graceland Experience” band to Wilton.

The concert is a kick off for the Connecticut Friends of the Performing Arts, a new organization based in Wilton that is committed to seeing the performing arts thrive in the community. The CTFOPA’s stated mission is to:

• Promote the outdoor performing arts as well as the development of a performing arts facility at Schenck’s Island.
• Provide funding for merit-based scholarships to be awarded annually to graduating high school students pursuing the performing arts in college
• Provide a forum for other non-profits in Wilton to create awareness, drive membership, participation and support for their activities
• Promote local merchants and stimulate business activity
• Enhance the image and reputation of Wilton as a fun place to visit and live as well as a recognized show stop between NYC and Boston for performing artists

Other acts performing at the concert are family-friendly Jay and Ray at 3 p.m., followed at 4:15 p.m. by Idle Kyle, and then Graceland Experience takes the stage at 5:30 p.m..

For more information, visit the CT Friends of the Performing Arts website.