The Hamden Arts Commission announces its lineup for Hamden's 2012 free summer concert series beginning June 29 with a U.S. Coast Guard “Masters of Swing” for the town's Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by Hamden's Volunteer Firefighters.
Concerts continue on four consecutive Fridays in July, beginning at 7:30. All are held at Town Center Park at Meadowbrook, 2761 Dixwell Ave. There is
- Friday, June 29: U. S. Coast Guard “Masters of Swing”
The swing band will perform at Hamden's Independence Day fireworks display, sponsored by Hamden's Volunteer Firefighters. If bad weather forces postponement of the fireworks to June 30, the concert will still be held on June 29 at Hamden High School auditorium.
- Friday, July 6: Doo Wop Show (Duprees, Belmonts, Shirley Alston Reeves, formerly of the Shirelles)
Enjoy some of Doo Wop’s favorites. Belmonts: “A Teenager in Love,” “Where or When,” “Tell Me Why” Duprees: "My Own True Love," "You Belong to Me," "Have You Heard," "Why Don’t You Believe in Me," "Delicious" Shirelles: "Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Tonight's the Night,” ”Dedicated to the One I Love,” “I Met Him on a Sunday.”
- Friday, July 13: NRBQ
This legendary performing group, often featured in such Connecticut venues as Toad's Place, are still touring nationally. Co-founder Terry Adams, the “untamed genius of the keyboards,” remains the driving force. Who could forget their signature song, “Ridin' in My Car”?
- Friday, July 20: Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes
Southside Johnny has long been considered the grandfather of the “New Jersey sound.” In fact, many of the band's songs were written by fellow New Jersey native, Bruce Springsteen. The concert will feature such hits as “I Don't Want to Go Home,” “Hearts of Stone,” The Fever,” and “Talk to Me.”
- Friday, July 27: Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night
Formerly of Three Dog Night, Chuck and his band perform all of the hits that made Three Dog Night famous, including the classics that feature his lead vocals: “Joy to the World,” “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog,” “Easy To Be Hard,” “Old Fashioned Love Song,” “Eli's Comin',” and “One (Is the Loneliest Number).”
In the event of inclement weather, concerts may move to Hamden High School, if circumstances allow.
For weather information, listen to AM 1220 WQUN or WEBE 108 (107.9 FM) or contact the Arts Commission at 203-287-2546 or mcoleman@hamden.com; or visit www.hamdenartscommission.org.
