[From my July 8 article in the Colchester Bulletin]
My favorite time of year is back: the Colchester Summer Concerts on the Green sponsored by Rockville Bank! The six-show series kicks off this Sunday on the Town Green and does not slow down until it wraps up on August 15, barring any rain make-ups. While the entertainers take the stage at 5:30pm each week, we invite you to come on down at 5:00pm to enjoy some fun, family activities as well as the on-site cookout.
The majority of this year’s cookouts will be served up by our very own Summer Day Camp staff, as they volunteer their time to raise money to help support scholarships for children to attend camp. Their menu will include the standard barbecue fare (burgers, dogs, chips, soda, etc); however, in our department’s effort to offer healthy alternatives the menu will also include chicken, yogurt, water and fruit.
The only week that camp won’t be serving is the August 1 show, when Colchester Cougars Youth Football will return for their annual cookout. Regardless of who is cooking, the prices are always reasonable for feeding your family, with the profits going to a great cause.
While most of the pre-concert activities will be a surprise throughout the summer, one that you should mark down on your calendar is the annual favorite Teddy Bear Parade. On Sunday, July 18, kids are invited to gather at the gazebo by 5:00pm to register their cherished stuffed animals. Shortly thereafter, they will march through the crowd while our friends from the Colchester Senior Center give out awards in a wide array of categories, such as friendliest, furriest and most lovable.
Of course, the main feature of the concerts is the top-shelf entertainment that takes the stage each week. And this year’s line-up is no exception.
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Last summer’s overwhelming favorites, Orange Crush, return this year to start off the summer on July 11, courtesy of Dr. Steven C. Lakes DMD. Audiences can not help but sing along as the band plays the biggest hits from the 80s, from Michael Jackson to Bon Jovi and everything in between.
After thirty-five years entertaining audiences, Eight to the Bar is as energetic and amazing as ever. Sign Professionals of Norwich is proud to co-sponsor this show on July 18, featuring a lively mix of swing and blues, including well-known covers as well as great tunes from the band’s ten albums.
On July 25, Casey Chiropractic and Family Physical Therapy team up to bring Sugar to the Town Green stage. This high-energy dance band will keep the crowd on its feet all night long, featuring many of your favorite disco and party songs.
The green will take on a beach party atmosphere as Island Rhythm encourages the crowd to limbo, conga and more on August 1. Co-sponsored by Skyview Realty and Nathan Liverant & Son Antiques, the evening’s entertainment will include ethnic music from the islands of the world mixed with music by Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, the Baha Men and Harry Belafonte.
Dr. Ya Ya’s Gumbo Party is as fun and entertaining as their name! When their show comes to town on August 8, courtesy of Colchester Family Medicine and Dr. Olawale Ayeni MD, it will feel like we’ve been transported to the heart of New Orleans during Mardi Gras – with colorful beads and all.
Wrapping up the season on August 15, Anytime Fitness brings to the stage the Larry Stevens Band. This New Jersey native covers some of the biggest hits from the likes of John Mayer, The Beatles, James Taylor and John Mellencamp. If you caught his last show with us in 2008, you know what an amazing performance this will be.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our title sponsor, Rockville Bank. For three years running, they have been our lead partner in producing these incredible family events. As always, they’ll be back with their free weekly drawing for fun prizes. And Cathy Pompei, Branch Manager, just might have some other great surprises up her sleeve.
So grab some chairs and blankets, get there early to secure a good spot, enjoy some food and get your dancing shoes on – let the fun begin!
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