Beginning on Sunday, June 24 at 3 pm, the Litchfield Historical Society will launch Summer Serenades, its new outdoor concert series. The Historical Society welcomes concertgoers to take in (and dance to) the lively and historical music of local bands and songwriters and enjoy summertime refreshments. Admission for these concerts is $5 for individuals and $10 for families. All concerts take place on the Tapping Reeve House lawn, unless otherwise noted.
June 24—Bill Wellington
Bill Wellington is a storyteller, folk musician, songwriter, and dance caller who has entertained audiences throughout America for over twenty five years. In his program, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin: The Book That Ended Slavery in America,” Wellington will sing original songs, read stories and poetry, and feature an audio slide show.
July 29—Bill Fischer and Wry Bred
Fischer has been calling dances for over twenty-five years, starting out in New Haven, Connecticut, with the contra dance series that has been a fixture of the folk music and dance scene there for nearly thirty years. Fischer will lead participants in a number of Civil War era dances. Local contra dance band, Wry Bred, will accompany him as he calls out the steps during this fun-filled hour of dance!
August 26—Phil Rosenthal
Phil Rosenthal will perform folk, bluegrass and traditional country music. Rosenthal, a former Connecticut State Troubadour, is known worldwide for his rich baritone voice and expert picking on banjo, guitar, and mandolin. A successful songwriter (his compositions have been recorded by Bill Monroe and Johnny Cash) and record producer, he has performed on stages around the world, including the White House and the Grand Ole Opry.
September 23—Rosewood Chamber Ensemble
In this program, “Songs and Dances of Early America,” Barbara Hopkins and the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble will tell the stories of American music from the early nineteenth century until the Civil War, and of the early American woodwind instrument maker, Asa Hopkins of Litchfield. Hopkins performs on flutes made circa 1830 by Asa Hopkins. These flutes are antique simple system wooden flutes made with either one key or four keys. Come hear songs, dances, and marches popular in this era. Note: This concert will take place at the Litchfield History Museum.
Registration is required for these events. Please reserve your spot by emailing registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org or by calling (860) 567-4501.
All Summer Serenade concerts (unless otherwise noted) will take place on the Tapping Reeve House lawn, located at 82 South Street in Litchfield. The rain location is the Litchfield History Museum, 7 South Street. For more information about this or other programs, please call (860) 567-4501 or see www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.