Music on the River
Summer is almost here and we cannot wait to sit by the River, on the beautiful lawn of the Goodspeed Opera House and listen to this year’s fantastic summer concerts! The Music on the River Committee has been busy screening bands and making plans to present another incredible concert series. It is hard to believe that East Haddam Parks & Recreation has been presenting the series for seven seasons now, and as always, we have been able to count on the wonderful advice and experience of Anthony & Candy Nero who were so instrumental in transitioning the Chestelm Summer Sounds to Music on the River. We continue to have the wonderful support of Ed Blaschik and Dan McMahon at the Goodspeed Opera House and Iso Dedusaj at the Gelston House. We couldn't do it without them.
The most important member of the series is YOU - our wonderful town supporters whose generous donations continue to support this premier event 100%! As you may know, these concerts are free. We do not use any town funds to offer these concerts; they are completely supported by community, patron and business donations. If you are interested in making a donation to support Music on the River 2013, please use the donation form below and send a check to East Haddam Park and Recreation, P.O. Box 278, East Haddam, CT 06423.
Music on the River Donation Form
We are hoping to introduce some exciting new bands to the series and continue our mission of introducing premier talent to the Music on the River series.
We have designed an exciting way to promote the concerts, as well as provide timely updates - http://musicontheriver.blogspot.com.
We'll use this as a way to let you know the latest about what bands have been signed as well as giving sneak previews of them by sharing YouTube clips or links to their web sites so you can learn more about them. The artists we've talked to about this are excited for you to "meet" them before they hit our stage and we think it will be a great way for you to see your dollars at work - before the shows. Once again - we are so thankful for all the volunteers who help with the event and the continued financial support from you. So mark your calendars - our first concert is July 8th - we'll see you down on the river!
MUSIC ON THE RIVER LINE UP 2013
All concerts are held on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 pm at the green of the Goodspeed Opera House. If it rains, the concerts will be moved to the Hale-Ray High School Auditorium (please call the Recreation Office for location information if weather is questionable; 860-873-5058). Great food and drinks will be available to purchase at the Gelston House. Parking is available in the Goodspeed Opera House parking lot, behind the Gelston House. The Music on the River site is made possible through the generous support of Goodspeed Musicals.
July 8, 2013 Roomful of Blues
Roomful of Blues will be celebrating their 45th anniversary on our stage with their signature sounds of Jump Blues, R & B and Rock & Roll from the early horn-powered Golden Era of the late 40’s & 50’s. Having performed in more than 30 countries this five-time Grammy-nominated band has recorded with Big Joe Turner and Eddie Cleanhead Vincent, to name a few. Best known for being a high energy dance band, Roomful has earned an unparalleled reputation for fine musicianship and keen mastery of many blues styles.
July 15, 2013 Chris MacKay and the Toneshifters
Rockabilly meets country swing with a dash of swamp and rock as Chris MacKay and the Toneshifters take to our summer stage with a style that will get you up on your feet and keep you rocking’!
July 22, 2013 Bob Button’s Big Band
For more than 35 years, the Bob Button Big Band has performed the best of the 30’s and 40’s. Swing dancing tunes from Gershwin, Porter, Berlin and friends will be sure to get you “In the Mood”. We dare you to stay in your seats!
July 29, 2013 Hot Club of Cowtown
Straight from Austin, Texas, Hot Club of Cowtown performs the combined nuances of Texas Swing and Gypsy Jazz, infusing new life into vintage styles. Having toured with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, as well as representing the U.S. State Department as musical ambassadors to four nations, Hot Club has earned the reputation for musical excellence and “Old Timey” charm. Among their many awards, they are most proud of being inducted into the prestigious Texas Swing Hall of Fame.
August 5, 2013 Tom Sanders
Tom Sanders Band unites veteran musicians from some of Southern New England’s best blues, rock and R & B bands, Good music and a good time is their mission and their performance is bound to deliver!
August 12, 2013 Quimbombó
Our summer series comes to a hot Latin end with the sounds of Quimbombó. With contagious musical rhythms imported from Cuba, this music is gonna get you! Dust off those Zumba moves and meet us on the dance floor.