Submitted by Communications Ministry, First Church
You’ll have four opportunities to gather up your friends and family members to hear a great variety of live music right in West Hartford Center at First Church’s “Sun is Shining” concert series each Tuesday in August beginning Aug. 4.
You can bring an chair or a blanket and get comfortable on the Labyrinth on the front lawn of First Church at 12 South Main St. in West Hartford Center. Picnics are also welcome.
The concerts are free, but donations to the “Food for Friends” which supports the West Hartford Food Pantry, are welcome.
All concerts begin at 5 p.m.
The schedule is:
Aug. 4: Ed Fast & Conga-Bop
The brainchild of percussionist extraordinaire Ed Fast, Conga Bop is the only ensemble of its kind to deliver a unique blend of Latin music and Jazz. Mr. Fast, himself an in demand musician, has honed the groups repertoire into one that is a balance of the obscure and accesible. Cal Tjader rarities linger with electrified songbook standards and Eds own originals. The group is a blend of seasoned performers and the newest generation of Hartfords young talent. Conga Bop can be seen at the Firebox Restaurant in Hartford on the first Wednesday of every month as well as at various other venues that will be announced on Facebook.
Aug. 11: We Happy Few
A unique cover band of folk, rock, and jazz music all rolled into one, fronted by multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Boratko.
Aug. 18: The Jimmy Buffét
“The Jimmy Buffét” is the running joke working title for the greater Hartford area’s newest cover band! Based out of Manchester, CT, most of the members are teachers at the privately owned music store Summit Studios. The band’s expanding repertoire features today’s top radio tracks, as well as throwback hits from the 80s and 90s. Featuring three dynamic vocalists, the band has the capacity to play many different styles and are always looking for something new to play.
Aug. 25: The Jolly Beggars
The Jolly Beggars bring the rich tradition of Celtic folk music and storytelling to modern day audiences. Based out of Connecticut, their traditional songs and musical arrangements have exposed many to the joys of Celtic music.They tell traditional stories from Irish folklore and intersperse their musical arrangements with traditional reels and jigs. Characterized by their tight harmonies and use of guitars, mandolin, tin whistles, octave mandolin, mandola, tenor banjo, double bass, bodhran, spoons, and more, The Jolly Beggars have quickly built a solid following and continue to spread their music around the east coast. The band performs music that is largely Celtic in origin (Irish and Scottish), with some pieces coming from an extension of that music in other cultures.
Several people find a comfortable perch on the wall to enjoy a summer concert at First Church in 2014. Photo credit: Amy Melvin
Concert at First Church. Summer 2014. Photo by Mick Melvin
