The Windham Concert Band at the 2023 Somers Summer Concert Series.
Photo courtesy of Timothy Simoes
SOMERS — The Somers Summer Concert Series begins on June 20 and runs through Aug. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Gazebo on 19 Battle St. Hosted by the Somers Cultural Commission, the concert series will feature artists ranging from calypso, country western, rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway, blues, jazz and dance party bands.
Chair/Coordinator Ann Levesque said, “We’re trying to mix it up and have all kinds of music to entertain and to appeal to everyone. It’s a chance for people to spend time together, listening to some great music and not having to spend a lot of money.”
She added, “There’s nothing like hearing live music on a beautiful summer day. It’s family friendly and everybody is welcome.”
The Somers Cultural Commission is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1992 by artist/teacher Linda Percoski and artist Neil Connell along with 10 other Somers residents who wanted to see cultural activities promoted in the community. In 1998, the Somers Cultural Commission began their outdoor summer concert series with performances at the gazebo between the Historical Society building and the Somers Senior Center to add more year-round culture. Since then, it has become a huge staple in the town and surrounding areas.
“It has really grown, and we want to grow it more,” Levesque shared. “We’ve got a playground for the kids. It’s a wonderful family opportunity to be together outdoors.”
Somers resident Tim Simoes started attending the concerts years ago after seeing signage up promoting the music. He joined the Somers Cultural Commission a year ago when they lost their regular videographer. After all these years, it’s still fun for him, stating the music is great and evenings cast a cooling shadow.
“As a lifelong musician, I appreciate the importance of live music,” Simoes said. “It creates community involvement in a social environment so bring a friend in addition to enjoyment of the music itself.”
The Somers Cultural Commission feels strongly that it is important to offer live music outdoors for mental health as well as for listening pleasure. People of all ages being outdoors in a country, peaceful setting listening to live music really helps. In fact, it is so important to get audiences’ opinions on their choice of entertainers that the commission offers its audience a survey to complete at the end of the season so that they can give them their feedback on each entertainer.
“We on the Cultural Commission want to give our community and other towns around us something cultural to look forward to along with providing the entertainers the opportunity to do what they love to do,” Levesque said. “We know our audiences love live music and they love being outdoors listening to music.”
For more information on the Summer Concert Series, call Levesque at 860-749-2630. You can also go to facebook.com/somersconcerts as well as somersct.gov/boards-and-commissions/cultural-commission. In the event of rain, the concerts will take place indoors at the Somers Congregational Church at 599 Main St. Since the Somers Cultural Commission is a nonprofit organization, they do ask for free will donations at the concerts; small or large.
Here is the line-up for the Summer Concert Series:
June 20 — Juneteenth Celebration Steel Drums with Caribbean Vibe.
June 27 — Classic Country Songs with Dee Reilly (sponsored by Katherine M. Toohey).
July 4 — Patriotic & Broadway Tunes with Windham Concert Band.
July 11 — Classic Party Rock Dance Tunes with The Score.
July 18 — Rocking Thru the Decades with Jimmy Mazz (sponsored by Angel Connections).
July 25 — Hits from the 70’s to 90’s with DriveTime Party Band
Aug. 1 — Country & More with Steel N Eazy.
Aug. 8 — Bring Fire to Country Music with CobbleStone Road (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Somers).
