The schedule has been set for Bethel’s 17th annual Summer Concert Series at the gazebo on the lawn in front of Town Hall.
The free music kicks off Sunday, July 7, rain or shine (concerts will be held in the gym if it’s raining) with Bethel’s own J&B Band.
See a full list of shows below, running through Aug. 25. Concerts start at 6 p.m.
July 7 – J&B Band
The Concert Series opens with Bethel’s most energetic entertainer, Billy Michael. The musical mix of eclectic selections usually contains some oldies, some disco, and maybe even a polka. And, there’s always a surprise! Six versatile musicians make up the group: Billy Michael, bass/vocals; Wayne Gunther, keyboards; Jacqui Rodda, vocals; Doron Ben-Ami, guitar/vocals; Kevin Templeton, drums/vocals; and Will Michael, sax/percussion/vocals. Hear some fine music along with stories of Bethel’s history. It will be like a big party! Billy will keep you entertained for the entire evening!
Sponsored by Belardinelli Tire Company, Advantage Realty, and Attorney Daniel W. O’Grady.
July 14 – Highway Robbery
Back again this season, after a successful reception last year, the Highway Robbery Band is a group of musicians all with the love of music from the 1960’s to 1970’s. The band comprises members of the original local band Tumbleweed who have rekindled a love of the music from this era. Included is Greg Damici on drums, Jeff Case on guitar and vocals, John LePage on bass and vocals, and Ira Pollack on guitar and vocals. Enjoy the sounds of the decade with this riveting group.
Sponsored by Friends of Bethel Seniors and First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker.
July 21 – Fierce Campbell Jazz Trio
Featuring Pierce Campbell (remember him from “The Kerry Boys”) on guitar and vocals, Tony Pasqaloni on acoustic bass, and Loren Evarts on keyboards, this trio performs jazz classics from artists like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett along with more modern tunes from Stevie Wonder, Nora Jones, Bill Withers, and even some originals. Excellent vocals and strong improvisation promote the best jazz has to offer with this dynamic trio. Pierce was CT State Troubadour for 2007/2008 and has been a fulltime musician for 20 years. Loren Evarts has been studying and teaching music and is currently finishing up his DMA at Boston University. Enjoy an evening of high quality musical interpretations
by truly talented musicians!
Sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank, Heitcamp, Inc., and Selectman Richard Straiton.
July 28 – Mental Health
Returning to the Gazebo by popular request, Mental Health has roots deeply imbedded in the bluesy rock ’n roll sounds of the 60’s and 70’s. Formed in the 1980’s, this band has undergone some member changes over the years, culminating in their current lineup of founder, vocalist/guitarist Richard Madwid, bassist Tony DeCamillo, drummer Scott Roland and keyboard player John Francese. The local group has played all over Connecticut and New York and has opened up for the Beach Boys, Dave Mason, and Jonathan Edwards. You’ll hear a musical focus influenced by the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and many more. Enjoy it all!
Sponsored by Representative Dan Carter and K-Man Glass Corporation.
Aug. 4 – Sonny Carroll Orchestra
An all-time favorite with its “Big Band” sound, the Sonny Carroll Orchestra takes the stage with nonagenarian Angelo Testanero (Sonny Carroll) orchestrating and conducting. Formed in 1973, this is one of the last full-sized orchestras in the area. Enjoy the smooth horns and pleasant vocals and imagine you’re back in the 40’s and 50’s listening to Glenn Miller, the Dorsey Brothers, and Benny Goodman. Actually, some of the orchestra members may have played with these famous groups. You might even see some in the audience dancing the fox trot or swing. This evening promises to be truly total entertainment!
Sponsored by Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant, Vanderbilt Chemical Corporation, La Fortuna Restaurant, and Melissa and Timothy Mable.
Aug. 11 – The Midnight Blues
New to the Concert Series, this local group plays unique and danceable music for the whole family! You’ll hear 1950’s rockabilly with country flair. Joe Vasaturo, the lead singer, is a prolific writer of over 550 songs. His influences include the timeless Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Van Morrison. Joe also plays lead guitar with Rob LaSalle on bass guitar, Ed Heinzinger on drums, Johnny Chapman on lead guitar, and George Wixon on pedal steel guitar. Catch the enthusiasm of this high-energy group!
Sponsored by Boylan Chiropractic, Savings Bank of Danbury, and The Bethel Republican Town Committee.
Aug. 18 – Cinnamon Sky
Performing for the first time at the Gazebo, Cinnamon Sky takes its name from the Willie Nelson song, “A Horse Called Music.” Dating back to the 80’s, the group disbanded in the early 90’s. It was in Bethel in the mid 90’s that founding member and lead vocalist Brad Lewis met guitarist/mandolinist Bob Willaum at a Fiddler’s Brawl at the old Front Street Restaurant. They relaunched Cinnamon Sky
and, over the years, original bassist Ted Ervin and original keyboard player Dave Golden of WPKN radio returned to the band. The group is rounded out by drummer and soundman Bill Fedorko. Brad likes to classify the band as Americana, since the repertoire includes Country, Western, Rockabilly, Folk Bluegrass and Southern Rock. Do sit back and imagine that you are driving your Hot Rod Lincoln, Searching for a Rainbow Under the Desert.
Sponsored by State Senator Michael McLachlan. Selectman Paul Szatkowski, and Caraluzzi’s Markets.
Aug. 25 – The Austrian Boys
Another first at the Gazebo, and what a way to end the Concert Series! The Austrian Boys with their renditions of traditional Austrian-German Style and Alpine-American Rock Music will have your feet tapping and your hands clapping! Frank Billowitz Sr. founded the band in 1970 and is featured on the accordion, steinsche, and harmonica. His sons, Frank Jr. (trumpet, percussion, drums) and Michael (guitar, bass guitar, baritone, horn), join with Patrick Roster (guitar, drums, percussion). All contribute to the rousing vocals. The Gazebo will rock as the Concert Series comes to a close!
Sponsored by Union Savings Bank, and Bob and Claudia Kozlowski.
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