Town To Offer 'Free Music Fridays'

GREENWICH, CT—Greenwich residents will soon be able to enjoy some free music in the park on Fridays.

Beginning in June, local bands and musicians will play in Greenwich Commons near the Board of Education building every Friday from 12-1 p.m. The initiative, named "Free Music Fridays", was created by the Reimagine Greenwich Committee. 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.

Free Music Fridays will serve as a way for residents to get out and enjoy the outdoors while interacting with family and friends. The initiative will be sponsored, and the hope is that people who work in the area can come out and support local restaurants and to-go lunch spots while enjoying free music.

"We've always been trying to promote outdoor activities during the pandemic," said Selectperson Lauren Rabin, head of the Reimagine Greenwich Committee. "We're just trying to create a sense of community and a sense of coming together in a public space."

First Selectman Fred Camillo praised Rabin and the Committee for all the work they've done so far.

"They've had a big task in front of them, and they've really come to a great place. There have been so many ideas that have been on the table," Camillo said. "In the next few months you're going to see some of the results of their activities."

Rabin said that a long-term goal of the Committee is to raise money to purchase improved and more aesthetically-pleasing barriers for Greenwich Avenue. The barriers have been used to block off spaces for outdoor dining. Eventually, Rabin said, a trolley service could be used to shuttle people who want to park at Greenwich Town Hall, to the downtown shops and restaurants.

The Committee also helped in coming up with the newly implemented resident and merchant parking programs in the downtown area, which have freed up spaces for people who are coming into the area to shop or eat. Parking continues to be an issue in every business district, Rabin said.

Rabin added that there is still going to be some hesitation about gatherings, but the Free Music Friday venue will be small enough so people can feel safe.

Camillo said it will be something for residents to look forward to each week.

"I think this adds to what's going on down there, with that village feel in the downtown area. We're trying to copy that in other parts of town. We will experiment and see if this is the right time during the day or the right day," Camillo said. "We have plenty of residents who are musicians who we think will be eager to sing for everybody and play their instruments for everybody. It will be another attractive activity for residents in the downtown area."

Anyone who is interested in performing can contact Selectperson Lauren Rabin at Greenwich Town Hall.