The weather has been a roller coaster ride over the last few weeks confusing people as to whether it is spring or fall, but one thing that is certain is that Wilton Library’s much-anticipated 18th annual Summer Music & More Concert Series is all set to begin.
The concerts are on Thursday nights, June 28, July 12, 19 and 26, from 5-6:30 p.m. and are free and open to everyone. There is a one-week gap in the concert schedule this year due to the town’s July 4th fireworks rain date set for July 5th.
The four-week concert series has been generously sponsored by the Village Market for the past 18 seasons, something co-owner Tim Dolnier says they’re very happy about. “The library is a wonderful institution and we’re delighted to be able to bring this much fun to Wilton in the summer.”
His co-owner Mike Pacheco, agrees, “We love seeing the smiles of our customers who come in and tell us how much they’ve enjoyed the concerts.”
June 28, Over Easy
Over Easy returns for its second year to open the library’s concert series on June 28. This talented trio brings its harmonies on ’60s and ’70s surfing and British invasion classics, along with their banter which delighted the audience last year. Whether it’s “Name That Tune” or just singing along with the group, the audience is a very interactive part of the entertainment. The musicians are Steve Cinque (bass/vocals), Mark Holleran (keys/guitar/vocals) and Jim Zembruski (drums/percussion).
July 12, The Conn Artists
The concerts continue on July 12 with The Conn Artists, a highly-acclaimed, seven member men’s a cappella singing group based out of Fairfield. Not easily classified, the group moves easily from Doo-wop to Duke Ellington, from madrigals to folk ballad arrangements of the ’70s, and more. The group includes; (pictured, front row L-R) Charlie Dear, Guilford; Martin Brayboy, Harwinton (Litchfield County); (back row L-R): David Callahan, Fairfield; Peter Sachner, Hamden; John Carlson, Ridgefield; Doug Rollins, Guilford; and Gary Schnauzer, Weston. Although they do not consider themselves professional musicians–their “day jobs” range from attorney to financial planner to orthodontist–they all have backgrounds in a cappella music having sung with top collegiate groups. Their alma maters are the Princeton Nassoons, Amherst Zumbyes, Williams Ephlats, Trinity BMOC, and the New Hampshire Gentlemen (UNH). The group placed second in the New York regionals of the national a cappella competition, Harmony Sweepstakes.
July 19, Billy & The Showmen
Billy & The Showmen, ’70s R&B, Soul and Funk, return to the library on July 19 for their second year with a rousing 13-plus member, full-throttle band with musical director Billy Frenz on guitar and vocals. The group has been together for more than 50 years and their style, talent, energy and performance are a testament to that dedication – and to how they get people dancing in the aisles.
July 26, Steve Kazlauskas
Steve Kazlauskas wraps up the summer season on July 26 with his “Echoes of Sinatra” performance, capturing the Great American Songbook songs of Frank Sinatra in perfect pitch. This will be Steve’s sixth year returning to the library to perform in front of a very enthusiastic audience.
The concerts are open to the public and free of charge. Free refreshments are available courtesy of the library with wine generously donated by Michael Crystal.
The concerts are in the library’s Brubeck Room so concertgoers can choose either air-conditioned seating indoors or they can take advantage of beautiful summer evenings in the Brubeck Courtyard. The concerts take place rain or shine with no reservations needed.
Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd..