Wilton Library's Summer Concert Series Thursdays in July

As the July temperatures soar it is an acknowledgement that summer is definitely here along with Wilton Library’s nineteenth annual Summer Music & More Concert Series. The opening concert was Thursday, June 27 with the delightful trio, Over Easy. The concerts continue on three consecutive Thursday nights, July 11, 18 and 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with performances that evoke the ’40s through the ’70s and beyond. The Village Market is sponsoring the library’s four-part concert series for the nineteenth year in a row.

Village Market co-owner Tim Dolnier said of the series, “Wilton Library’s concerts are such a staple of the community. We are proud to be part of this summer tradition for the past nineteen years.”

Mike Picheco, co-owner concurred, “What better way to celebrate the library and the town then by sponsoring these concerts? Our customers regularly express how appreciative they are that we are supporting the library; and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

A new group to the library’s line-up, The Barons, performs on July 11 with a comprehensive repertoire of popular “oldies” from the ’50s and ’60s, including their own 1963 hits, “Pledge of A Fool,” “Remember Rita” on Epic Records, and “Possibility,” on Old Town Records under the name of The Crowns. The Barons have shared the stage with such groups as Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, Charlie Thomas & The Drifters, The Del-Vikings, Brenda Lee, Kenny Vance and the Planetones and too many more to list here. The group has more than 45 years of performing experience.

Billy & The Showmen return to the Summer Music & More concerts for the third year on July 18 bringing their energized R&B, Soul, and Funk performances of popular songs from the ’70s and beyond. Billy Frenz (guitar and vocals) is the musical director of this 13-member full-tilt band with a great brass section.

The finale of the concert series on July 25 brings Steve Kazlauskas and his Echoes of Sinatra show to the library for the seventh year. An absolute crowd-pleaser, Steve reminisces with the audience and croons the songs of Old Blue Eyes to perfection.

The music is just the beginning thanks to the Village Market. The concerts are free and open to everyone with free refreshments provided by the library. Michael Crystal’s generous wine donations all these years keep the party going by starting the weekends off on the right note. The concerts take place rain or shine in the Brubeck Room. Concertgoers can sit indoors or enjoy delightful summer evenings in the Brubeck Courtyard with the bands in full view. There is no registration; attendees can pop in for a few minutes or appreciate the full hour and a half performances.

Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For information and directions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.