Two free concert series will take place this summer at First Church West Hartford.

Submitted by Cassidy Ward

First Church West Hartford will be hosting two free summer music concert series in July and August. July will feature one carillon musician, and August’s “Sun is Shining” series will feature three bands offering ragtime, rock, and blues.

All community members are invited to bring a lawn chair and their favorite snacks to the labyrinth to enjoy the music while soaking up the summer night air. These concerts will take place at 12 South Main Street, in the heart of West Hartford Center.

On July 30, West Hartford welcomes Margaret Angelini for a carillon concert from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Courtesy Photo

On July 30, West Hartford welcomes Margaret Angelini for a carillon concert from 5:30-6:30 p.m. First Church carillon concerts have been a favorite summer tradition since the 1980s. Learn more about the history of the First Church carillon here. Complimentary ice cream treats will be available during the concert (while supplies last) courtesy of the First Church Spirit Team.

Margaret Angelini began her organ studies as a first year at Wellesley College and graduated in 1985 as a music major. She then completed a master’s degree in Organ at the New England Conservatory with William Porter. She discovered the carillon by opening the window of her dorm room on her second day at the Wellesley College campus and fell in love with the sound of the bells. Now, she teaches carillon at Wellesley College.

Margaret Angelini’s performance will bring meaning to various elements of nature for a reflective evening of carillon music. She encourages listeners to “find beauty wherever you look!”

On Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m., The Rock Voices Choir of West Hartford will perform “Music from the Movies.” Courtesy Photo

For the “Sun Is Shining Series,” beginning in August, there are three concerts planned for Tuesday nights (weather permitting) in front of the church from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For fans of the summer concerts, some old favorites are expected to return this year.

First Church Director of Worship Arts Jim Boratko said, “On Aug. 11, we will feature Brown Paper Sax, a saxophone ensemble that plays repertoire from the early 20th century such as ragtime, fox trots, and other period songs.” During this concert, light dinner snacks will be supplied for community members to enjoy alongside the music.

On Aug. 18, The Rock Voices Choir of West Hartford will perform “Music from the Movies,” which is a collection of songs that made the movies famous, or vice versa. This group has over 100 members and will be accompanied by a rock band with music from several James Bond movies, Footloose, Dirty Dancing, Grease, and other popular movies.

The “Sun is Shining” concert series will end on Aug. 25 with Still Kickin’ with the Big City Horns, a 10-piece horn band that plays rock, rhythm and blues, and funk, including music by Chicago, Steely Day, Tower of Power, the Blues Brothers, and others.

On Aug. 25 at 5:30 p.m., enjoy a crowd favorite Still Kickin’ with the Big City Horns. Courtesy Photo

Here’s the line-up at-a-glance:

• July 30: Carillonneur Margaret Angelini
• Aug. 11: Brown Paper Sax
• Aug. 18: The Rock Voices Choir of West Hartford
• Aug. 25: Still Kickin’ with the Big City Horns

These summer concerts are free to the public! Please bring chairs, blankets, a picnic, and friends to celebrate local musicians during this concert series. To stay informed of any potential changes of location and/or time for these concerts due to weather, please visit the First Church website for updates.

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