Fourth Annual Farmington Bank Community Concert Series Features 18 Free Performances by Simply Swing

Farmington Bank today announced the fourth annual Farmington Bank Community Concert Series, featuring 18 performances by Simply Swing, a 10-piece swing orchestra based in Connecticut.

The free, popular series kicks off on Friday, May 1 at 6:30 pm with a concert at the Elmwood Community Center in West Hartford. Included in the series are three concerts at Riverfront Recapture’s scenic Great River Park in East Hartford, which is alongside the Connecticut River.

“We’re proud to support communities in greater Hartford by offering free concerts throughout the spring and summer months,” said John J. Patrick, Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Farmington Bank. “The concerts provide a great way for family, friends and neighbors to enjoy time together in the comfort and beauty of their own communities.”

Simply Swing specializes in the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie; vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole and Diana Krall; and high energy Swing Dance favorites. The group released its first CD in 2013, Dancing to Simply Swing featuring music composed for swing and ballroom dancers by Joe LaRosa, the group’s musical director and drummer.

“Our goal is to engage and entertain our audiences,” said Vivian LaRosa, Simply Swing’s featured vocalist. “We enjoy watching people swaying in their lawn chair, singing along and most of all - getting up and dancing,” she added.

New England’s busiest, professional Big Band style group, Simply Swing has performed throughout the region for events including gala balls, corporate functions, conventions, and community events.

The Farmington Bank Community Concert Series continues on:
• May 8 at 7 pm at the Senior Center, Avon
• May 14 at 6:30 pm at the Enes Community Center, South Windsor
• May 28 at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center, Bloomfield
• May 30 at 6:30 pm, Great River Park Amphitheater, East Hartford
• June 23 at 7 pm at Rockwell Park, Bristol
• June 24 at 6:30 pm at the Mill Pond Park Gazebo, Newington
• June 29 at 7 pm Veterans Park, Berlin
• June 30 at 6:30 pm at the Keeney Cultural Center, Wethersfield
• July 10 at 7 pm at the Bicentennial Band Shell, Manchester
• July 14 at 6:30 pm at Norton Park, Plainville
• July 15 at 7 pm at Pierson Park, Cromwell
• August 9 at 7 pm at Riverfront Park, Glastonbury
• August 13 at 7 pm, at the Unionville Gazebo, Farmington
• August 17 at 7 pm at the Darius Miller Band Shell, Walnut Hill Park, New Britain
• August 22, at 6:30 pm, the Great River Park Amphitheater, East Hartford
• September 19 at 6:30 pm, at the Great River Park Amphitheater, East Hartford
• September 21 at 6:30 pm at the Calendar House, Southington

Visit www.farmingtonbankct.com/CommunityConcertSeries or www.simplyswingmusic.com for more information.