Bethel's 2011 Summer Concert Series Dates Announced

Starting Sunday, July 10, Bethelites can enjoy free music held on the front lawn of the .

All concerts will be held on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. and will run through August 28th. Attendees are allowed to bring lawn chairs, blankets and can picnic. Bands will play on the gazebo and in the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be held in the gym. 

Many businesses, organizations and individuals sponsor the concerts along with the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.  

For more information, contact Joan Bradley at the First Selectman's Office at 203-794-8501.

Attached is a copy of the brochure for Bethel's Summer Concert Series. Below are a list of concert dates and their sponsors:

Sunday, July 10, 6 p.m.   
J&B Band - Sponsored by Belardinelli Tire Company, Smitty’s Auto Body and First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker. 
Bethel’s own master of enthusiasm, Billy Michael, opens the concert series with his unique mix of eclectic music, talented vocals, and hometown stories.  Performing at clubs, weddings, family events and outdoor concerts for more than 25 years, The J&B Band brings eight decades of musical selections to the audience. Expect anything from disco to polkas to oldies and all that’s in between.  Six versatile musicians make up the group: Billy Michael, bass/vocals; Jacqui Rodda, vocals; Wayne Gunther, keyboards; Doron Ben-Ami, guitar/vocals; Mike Soldan, drums/vocals; and Will Michael, sax/percussion/vocals.  

Sunday, July 17, 6 p.m.          
The Kerry Boys - Sponsored by Selectman Richard Straiton, Newtown Savings Bank and the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. 
Expect a wonderful evening of infectious humor and rousing Irish music with The Kerry Boys performing. Mark James, originally from County Kerry, Ireland, teams with Pierce Campbell, Connecticut State Troubadour for 2007 and 2008, to present familiar, traditional ballads along with original selections. Their dynamic renditions often encourage the audience to participate by clapping, singing, and even dancing (especially the “wee ones”).  Their singing style, accompanied by guitar and mandolin, involves close harmonies developed over the 20 years they’ve been performing together and delighting the crowds.

Sunday, July 24, 6 p.m.
Riverboat Ramblers - Sponsored by Attorney Daniel O’Grady, State Representative David Scribner, K-Man Glass, Heitcamp, Inc. and The   Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.                      
Come hear New Orleans jazz, bluegrass, Cajun, calypso, zydeco and swing all in one evening of amazing entertainment. The resumes of these performers reflect music degrees from outstanding schools along with experience touring with big bands and performing with renowned orchestras. Together, they generate aggressive rhythms along with a high energy presentation that attracts audiences of all ages. Rapport with the crowd begins early with contagious humor and great interaction. The group consists of John Banker, vocals/steel drum/banjo/brass; Al LaPorte, vocals/piano; Sherman Kahn, flute/clarinet/sax; and Sal Ranniello, drums. 

Sunday, July 31, 6 p.m.
Phil LoPresti Jr. with the Clark Eno Orchestra - Donated by LoPresti & Sons Carting.   Enjoy a wonderful evening with the “Big Band” sound of the Clark Eno Orchestra featuring the talented Phil LoPresti Jr. as vocalist.  Close your eyes, go back in time, and experience the mellow sounds of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Dean Martin.  You might hear such favorites as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Because of You” and “Old Devil Moon” among others. Phil LoPresti Jr. and the Clark Eno Orchestra have been entertaining audiences in the area for a number of years.  It’s a special treat to have them here at the Gazebo.

Sunday, Aug. 7, 6 p.m.
Mental Health - Sponsored by State Representative Dan Carter and Caraluzzi’s Bethel Food Market and Nutmeg Discount Liquor.       
A local band formed in the 1980s, Mental Health has roots deeply imbedded in the bluesy rock 'n' roll sounds of the 60s and 70s. Founder and leader Richard Madwid on vocals/guitar is joined by Jon Condie, vocalist/guitarist; Tony DeCamillo, bass; Scott Roland, drums; and John Francese, keyboard. Their musical focus has been influenced by everyone from the Beatles, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, to Eric Clapton. The group has opened concerts for the Beach Boys, American, Jonathan Edwards,and Dave Mason, as well as, contributing their talents to local fundraising efforts with Cyndi Lauper and Arlo Guthrie.  

Sunday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m. 
Kenny Lee Band - Sponsored by Friends of Seniors, State Sen. Michael McLachlan, Old Heidelberg German Restaurant and Selectman Paul Szatkowski.
A pleasing selection of “oldies and goodies” from the 40s and 50s provides an evening of easy listening. Relax and sing along to the familiar tunes that are part of our musical history. Dating back to 1955, this 5 piece local group is known for smooth rhythms and pleasant harmonies. Carrying on the legacy of the late Kenny Lee, the group lost its last original member, Stan Schoonmaker, this past year. Continuing the tradition is the present leader Rick Fenton guitar/lead vocals; Keith Repko, keyboard; Lou Manoni, sax/flute/vocals; Tim Goral, drums/vocals; and Ron Black, bass/vocals. 

Sunday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m.
The Mike James Band - Sponsored by State Senator Toni Boucher, R. E. Lawlor Graphics and Printing, Savings Bank of Danbury and Boylan Chiropractic.
Country music comes to the gazebo with The Mike James Band. Bethel resident Mike James performs with Brenton Vaughan, Connor Andres and Donny Pierro. The band will present an enjoyable mix of vintage country (including songs by Hank Williams and Roger Miller), classic country (Willie Nelson and Wayland Jennings) and some modern country. Also included will be some country flavored folk songs (from Bob Dylan and Neil Young) and perhaps even a few American rock classics. 

Sunday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m.
Hot Cat Jazz Band - Sponsored by The Bethel Republican Town Committee, Union Savings Bank and R.T. Vanderbilt Co., Inc.
The last concert of the season brings a first-time visit from Ross Tucker’s Hot Cat Jazz Band.  Six instrumentalists – trumpet, clarinet/tenor sax, trombone, piano, guitar/banjo, bass and drums – perform swing standards of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington; big band hits of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey; Dixieland and New Orleans selections along with popular songs from the 1920s.  The infectious upbeat will entertain listeners of all ages with favorites such as “Muskrat Ramble,” “Take the A Train,” Sentimental Journey” and “Bill Bailey.”