With summer in full swing, vacation is on almost everyone's minds; having either just returned from or planning a much-needed reprieve from the daily grind. For many, those vacations are an annual... but, there's plenty of fun to be had on a weekly basis throughout the region.
The following is a rundown of weekly concert series in the region:
Sponsored by Rockville Bank, South Windsor's parks and recreation department organizes its own popular summer concert series, which is held, rain or shine, each Thursday night through August 16. This week, the series at Evergreen Walk presents Darik and the Funbags, who will perform a range of rock classics, including Guns and Roses and Bon Jovi.
Celebrating its 35th season of performances, the Manchester Band Shell's calendar is chock full with local talent through the end of August. With multiple bands presenting a medley of musical genres, the Band Shell has something for all. If you stop by this week, you'll be able to dance along with the entire family to the sounds the Vincent a Zito Italian Night, and Glennice and the Country Gentlemen.
Thursday is also a great night for family fun on Thursdays across the river on the Windsor town green, where the town's free summer concert series brings Windsor Center to life immediately after a weekly read-a-loud for elementary school children. This week, the series presents the music of Glamour Girls, who will perform the most popular dance hits from the 1940's up through the 60's.
Just to the south, Glastonbury's chamber of commerce and parks and recreation department partner to present the Glastonbury Riverfront Music Festival — a series of free shows each Wednesday night. The four-week festival, which culminates with a performance from a Jimmy Buffet tribute band on August 1, will feature Jeff Pitchell, Texas Flood & The Jeffettes this week.
Windsor Locks' free concert series, organized by the parks and recreation department, makes family fun an all-week endeavor. Taking place on Tuesday afternoons, the series offers a variety of sounds through July until August 14. This week, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a performance from Simply Swing, 10-piece swing orchestra playing big-band and dance-swing era numbers.
Ellington's Arbor Park provides a beautiful backdrop for the town's free music festivities held on Sunday nights. The four-week series will run through July 29, and feature Off The Clock and Kenn Morr Band, among others.
If you're in the Mansfield area one Thursday night, you can always swing by the Community Center Green and catch The Kerry Boys on July 19 or Kidsville Kuckoo Review on July 26.
If you're looking for something to do in Hartford, Elizabeth Park is a busy spot, featuring live music each Wednesday evening through August 29.
The always popular Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is always a great summer event for free. The festival will be held on July 20, 21 and 22 in Bushnell park.
