As the June temperatures begin to soar it is a reminder that summer is here along with the start of Wilton Library’s 19th annual Summer Music & More Concert Series. The opening concert is Thursday, June 27, from 5-6:30 p.m. with the delightful trio, Over Easy. The concerts continue on three consecutive Thursday nights, July 11, 18 and 25 at the same time, with performances that evoke the ’40s through the ’70s and beyond.
Mark Holleran (keyboards and guitar), Jim Zembruski (percussion) and Steve Cinque (bass) comprise Over Easy, the trio that sings ’60s harmonies like the best of them, covering groups from the ‘British Invasion’ to the Beach Boys and more. The musicians’ fun, laid-back style invites audience participation in a version of ‘name that tune’ that is interactive and infectious. The June 27 performance will be the group’s third appearance at the library’s summer concert series.
A new group to the library’s line-up, The Barons, performs on July 11 with a comprehensive repertoire of popular “oldies” from the ’50s and ’60s, including their own 1963 hits, “Pledge of A Fool,” “Remember Rita” on Epic Records, and “Possibility,” on Old Town Records under the name of The Crowns. The Barons have shared the stage with such groups as Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, Charlie Thomas & The Drifters, The Del-Vikings, Brenda Lee, Kenny Vance and the Planetones and many more. The group has more than 45 years of performing experience.
Billy & The Showmen return to the Summer Music & More concerts for the third year on July 18, bringing their energized R&B, Soul, and Funk performances of popular songs from the ’70s and beyond. Billy Frenz (guitar and vocals) is the musical director of this 13-member full-tilt band with a great brass section.
The finale of the concert series on July 25 brings Steve Kazlauskas and his Echoes of Sinatra show to the library for the seventh year. An absolute crowd-pleaser, Steve reminisces with the audience and croons the songs of Old Blue Eyes to perfection.
The concerts are free and open to everyone, thanks to the Village Market, which returns for a 19th year as sponsor of the library’s four-part series. Market co-owner Tim Dolnier said of the series, “Wilton Library’s concerts are such a staple of the community. We are proud to be part of this summer tradition for the past 19 years.”
Mike Picheco, co-owner concurred. “What better way to celebrate the library and the town then by sponsoring these concerts? Our customers regularly express how appreciative they are that we are supporting the library; and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Thanks to their sponsorship, the music is just the beginning. Free refreshments provided by the library and Michael Crystal’s generous wine donations every year keep the party going by starting the weekends off on the right note. The concerts take place rain or shine in the library’s Brubeck Room. Concertgoers can sit indoors or enjoy delightful summer evenings in the Brubeck Courtyard with the bands in full view. There is no registration; attendees can pop in for a few minutes or appreciate the full hour and a half performances.
Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd. in the heart of Wilton Center. For information and directions, visit the Wilton Library website or call 203.762.6334.