One thing I'm really looking forward to this summer is the Sunday Concert Series at the Bartlett Arboretum in North Stamford. Outdoor concerts take place there every Sunday between June and August (except 4th of July week) from 5pm-7pm on the lawn. I've never actually gone to any in the past. Last summer I really tried to make the effort, but my daughter was just an infant and she never really cooperated with my plans. This summer I hope to make it a Sunday ritual. My brother-in-law went to a few last summer and loved it and I can only imagine what a nice activity it is for families. Everyone (adults and kids) are welcome to come with picnics and chairs to listen to live music. One of the best parts is that kids under age 16 get in FREE. Adult admission is $10 for non members and $5 for members. The Special Events Director at the Arboretum tells me that they'll have the full schedule and and list of acts finalized soon, so stay tuned....
If you've never been to the Arboretum I highly recommend you pack up the kids and venture there. The 91 acres include 10 hiking trails, a pond, a 7 acre wetland with a boardwalk and a huge wildflower meadow. The trails are not great for strollers, but they're great for older kids. The little kids will like the more formal gardens near the visitor center. You can stroll around there and let toddlers safely roam around. Last summer my friend and I brought our babies there, strolled around a little and sat on the benches overlooking the gardens when they both needed to be fed. I was loving the the lack of traffic and the peace and quiet.
Two more things I just learned about today that you all might be interested in - the Arboretum's Summer Camp Program (click here for details) for kids 4-12 and their Birthday Parties for Kids (click here for details).
The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens
151 Brookdale Road, Stamford
203.322.6971
So check it out and let me know what you think and keep an eye out for more details about the Sunday Concert Series. Images above courtesy of the Bartlett Arboretum.
(JUNE 11th NOTE: The concert schedule is now available! See below:
Concert Fees: Members $5, Non members $10, Free for 16 years and under
Hot Cat Jazz Band – June 29
A Bartlett favorite specializing in swing, big band, jazz and classic rock dance music. They feature swing standards from the 20's, 30's and 40's as well as songs by James Taylor, Billy Joel, Elvis, Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.
The Wilfers – July 13
Formerly known as the Simms Brothers Band, the group consists of several well known musicians in the Connecticut area, including vocalist David Spinner, drummer Bud Tunick and guitarist, Mick Leonard. They play a terrific mix of pop and good time rock 'n roll.
Richard “Cookie” Thomas – July 20
A regular at Bartlett concerts due to his talent and popularity. Cookie sings all the standards and guarantees a good time for all!
Orrin Star & the Sultans of String – July 27
Orrin Star is an award winning guitar, banjo and mandolin player who combines hot picking, cool singing and good humor. His repertoire ranges from bluegrass standards, folk gems, Celtic fiddle tunes and finger style blues. He is a National Flatpicking Champion and has appeared on Prairie Home Companion.
Ellen Woloshin & Jim Dawson – August 3
Ellen possesses a voice that embodies the essence of warmth and sincerity. And, whether breathing life into her own original songs or creating fresh interpretations of cherished pop favorites, audiences enjoy her.
Jim Dawson and his music celebrate the unlimited potential of the human spirit. His music speaks to all of us fostering an immediate and unique bond between performer and audience. Join us to watch Jim as he continues to redefine the singer-songwriter genre one show and one song at a time.
Citigrass – August 10
Seasoned musicians who have performed worldwide, Citigrass specializes in mixing bluegrass, rock, folk, Celtic and world music to create their own style of urban bluegrass. They are one of the most entertaining bands in the New York area.
Big Apple'achia – August 17
The band's mission is to bring the simplicity of a bygone era, as heard in their exciting style of Bluegrass music, to the urban audience of the present. If you're not a fan of Bluegrass- you will be!
Red Molly – August 24
A female trio who tour nationally and bring concert-goers to their feet with stunning three-part harmonies, crisp musicianship and warm, engaging stage presence. They play multiple instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro and bass.
3 comments:
I didn't know that there were summer concerts at Bartlett... that's great, it's probably similar to the Wednesday Waveny concerts in New Canaan, more relaxed for families.
the Alive at Five Thursday concerts in Downtown Stamford are fun too, slightly bigger names (usually of the has-beens-trying-to-make-a-comeback variety, like Counting Crowes) but they are more appropriate for the younger, singler, drunker crowds, I've found.
As always, thanks for the tip!
thank YOU manager mom for commenting and for the great ideas.
hi would anyone know if there are any string instrument summer camps for 8+ year olds in fairfield county? i did find one in greenwich, but it was a 6week camp which was on the long side.
thanks chitra
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