Hamden 2016 Free Summer Concert Series: Complete Lineup

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden Arts Commission’s annual Free Summer Concert Series begins with the Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display on Friday, July 1.

All of the shows take place at Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Avenue. Food is available on site with ample free parking.

Opening acts often start at 7:30 pm, with headliners at 8:15 p.m., except on August 5. For details: visit the Hamden Arts Commission Facebook page or website, www.hamdenartscommission.org; or call 203-287-2546.

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The full lineup is listed below:

Friday, July 1 (Rain date: July 2): Hamden’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display, presented by Hamden’s Volunteer Firefighters. Hamden Symphony Orchestra: 7:15 – 8:15 pm. D.J. Bry will entertain before and after concert. Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.

Friday, July 8: Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards

One of two groups legally entitled to the Temptations name, this one features Dennis Edwards, a member of The Temptations starting in 1968, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This group will perform such hits as My Girl, Get Ready, Ain't Too Proud to Beg, Since I Lost My Babyand The Way You Do the Things You Do.

Friday, July 15: Eric Burdon & the Animals

The English singer/songwriter who was lead vocalist with the Animals and the funk band, War, was ranked 57th in Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. He will perform his hits: House of the Rising Sun, Sky Pilot, We Gotta Get Out of this Place, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood and Bring It on Home to Me.

Friday, July 22: Rock of the 80s: The Romantics & The Smithereens

Two of the greatest 80s bands will share the stage. The New Jersey-based power pop band, The Smithereens, will bring us Only a Memory, A Girl Like You, Blood and Roses, Blues Before and After and Top of the Pops. The Detroit power pop, new wave group, The Romantics, will perform hits including What I Like About You, Talking in Your Sleep, When I look in Your Eyes and Rock You Up.

Friday, July 29: The Marshall Tucker Band

The American Southern rock/country band, which helped establish the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s, has recorded and performed continuously for nearly 40 years. Among their hits: Can't You See, Heard It in a Love Song, Fire on the Mountain and Take the Highway.

Friday, August 5: Tramps Like Us

After more that two decades of road-tested musicianship, Tramps Like Us has won the distinction of being the Number 1 Springsteen tribute band in the world. It is the only tribute band to be endorsed by members of the “Springsteen camp”, including Bruce's former producer and manager, and the official Springsteen Radio station, E Street Radio/Sirius XM. Tramps Like Us will start at 7:30 pm and, like Bruce himself, perform Springsteen hits for 2 ½ – 3 hours. No opening act.

Contributed photos