One of New Canaan’s most beloved summertime traditions is set to go, following a vote by the Board of Selectmen durings its regular meeting Tuesday.
The Wednesday night Summer Concert Series at Waveny will feature 11 shows this season, according to Parks & Recreation Director John Howe. The free outdoor concerts, where attendees bring foldout chairs and sit under a setting sun out back of Waveny House, will kick off June 21 and run through Aug. 30, according to Recreation Supervisor/Aquatic Manager Steve Dayton.
Howe said during the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference,, “They are well attended, as you know, especially on a beautiful night. It’s a beautiful place to be when the sun is going down.”
Asked for their thoughts on the series, Steve Karl and Leo Karl III of Karl Chevrolet—a longtime sponsor of the concert series—noted that the Wednesday night gatherings have been a local tradition for decades.
“Karl Chevrolet has been fortunate to be included as a sponsor since the inception of the series, and we look forward to being involved again this year,” Steve Karl told NewCanaanite.com in an email.
“Steve Dayton and our Parks and Recreation Department do an amazing job putting a lineup of bands together that appeal to every generation of music lovers. There is nothing like putting a blanket down and enjoying your favorite summer food and beverage, while listening to great music as the sun sets over the fields at Waveny. You’ll probably run into neighbors and friends, and likely meet someone new. There are very few events and venues these days that are completely kid, grandparent, and dog friendly all at once, and this is one of them! If you’ve never been, you definitely need to add it to your summertime ‘to-do’ list.”
Leo Karl III noted that the concerts are a great event for people of all ages.
“Waveny Park is such an incredible community asset and any excuse to get out and spend time there is well worth it,” he told NewCananite.com in an email. “This concert series has been supported by local businesses for many years and is free to the public. While many New Canaanites spend their summer months at a favorite vacation spot, there are plenty of folks around town and a mid-week evening out on the grass at Waveny listening to all types of really good music is just as good as a beach vacation. Bring a blanket, a picnic dinner, some family and friends and sit back and enjoy.”
In addition to Karl Chevrolet, past sponsors include Hobbs Incorporated, New Canaan Community Foundation, Kaster Moving Company and New Canaan Board of Realtors.
First Selectman Kevin Moynihan and Selectmen Kathleen Corbet and Nick Williams voted 3-0 in favor of contracts with the performing artists.
If there’s a rainout and the band isn’t able to play, the town does not pay them, Howe said in response to a question from Moynihan.
This year, the Rec Department tacked a rain date onto the very end of the series, in case one of the performers who is rained out on a Wednesday night is unable to make it up on the Thursday of the same week.
“Luckily we were very fortunate last year and we only canceled one concert,” Howe said. “The weather was great.”
Corbet asked how many people attend each performance. Howe said the town doesn’t have hard numbers though an individual concert likely ranges up to 700 attendees.