Date Set For Opening Of 'Free Music Fridays' On Greenwich Avenue

GREENWICH, CT — Beginning Friday, June 4, residents will get to enjoy free music in Greenwich Commons which is just off Greenwich Avenue from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Produced by Greenwich Forward, Re-Imagine Greenwich, and the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation, Free Music Fridays will feature local artists with different performers every week, appealing to a variety of musical tastes.

Selectperson Lauren Rabin, head of the Re-Imagine Greenwich Committee, said the initiative serves as a way of building community and enhancing the downtown area. The Committee aims to improve the experience residents and visitors have with Greenwich's business centers, and to attract people to these areas so they remain economically viable.

"We've always been trying to promote outdoor activities during the pandemic," Rabin said earlier this month. "We're just trying to create a sense of community and a sense of coming together in a public space."

The program will run for 14 weeks from June 4 to Sept. 4. The hope is that people enjoy the music before and after they shop, work, or have lunch in local restaurants, or order take out to watch the performances. The initiative will be sponsored by Greenwich Magazine/Moffly Media, but the town is seeking more supporters.

Each sponsor will have their name credited to underwriting the hour of music, in conjunction with Greenwich Forward, Re-Imagine Greenwich, and Parks & Recreation, and other Sponsors. Sponsors can have a table at the event to promote their business and hand out promotional material.

"I applaud the efforts of Greenwich Forward, Re-Imagine Greenwich, and the Town of Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation for creating a way to bring our community together weekly," said First Selectman Fred Camillo in a news release. "The Free Music Fridays program is a perfect example of Greenwich emerging stronger than ever. Music has the power of uniting us and raising our spirits as we celebrate this gradual return to normalcy. Free Music Fridays are weekly celebrations that highlight some of the qualities of life that contribute to what makes Greenwich a tremendous Town to live, do business, and to raise a family."

The performance schedule for June is as follows

June 4, Mark Zelenz

Mark Zelenz is a popular Local Musician playing a variety of music from classic rock to contemporary music and pop. He was born andraised in Cos Cob. Mark has been known as the lead singer of the Short Bus; he has embarked on a solo career and has an impressive repertoire of popular songs.

June 11, Billy G. and the Boys

Bill Genuario is a well-known, multi-talented singer and musician playing a unique blend of standards from A to Z. From Sinatra to Tom Jones and the rest. Billy has several decades of experience performing with bands both large and small.

June 18, Cover Story with Megan Tyre

Cover Story is a local band lead by vocalist Megan Tyre; they play aneclectic mix of popular songs from classic rock and folk to dance music. Megan has been the Director of Alumnae at Greenwich Academy for 20 years.

June 25, Frank Rogers and The Sound Cats

Frank Rogers, Greenwich native, is a local musician known as the lead singer and guitar player for the Head Rattlers and having formed a new band, The Sound Cats, playing a mix of Classic Rock and easy to love originals.