At what outdoor venue can you walk up and see a fishing rod propped up against a band tour bus? Or while sipping your Dave Matthews Dreaming Tree wine in the beverage tent, happen upon a member of a band who just left the stage, hanging out with his buddies like one of the patrons? The Ives Concert Park, of course.
I was fortunate to be a volunteer at the Summerland Tour concert last Friday night that included the popular bands Everclear, Filter, Live and Sponge. And what a great night it was! Fans came out to see their preferred group of the four. Live and Everclear performed some familiar songs from the 1990s. When the lead singer of Everclear shared a story about his 21-year-old daughter, it hit me how long ago those songs were hits on the radio. The end of the concert was extra-special when the members of the other three bands were called out on stage once more to join Everclear for the last number.
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Back to the beverage tent — where I took a break and watched the show from one of the TV screens while I enjoyed a loaded grilled cheese sandwich. (Did you know that there’s a beverage tent on the left, set up with tables with tablecloths, chairs, and TVs where you can have a snack or drink without missing any of the show, plus stay out of the weather?) It was there that I noticed Phil Buckman, the bass player from Filter, relaxing at a table with some friends. Turns out that the guys were buddies from college.
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Phil was kind enough to chat with me for a bit, sharing his thoughts about our venue. “It feels like camp,” was his first comment. He then elaborated, “With the lake. You can even smell the bug spray. Many of the band members say it reminds them of summer camp. All of the bands love this venue.”
Funny, Brandi Carlile, who performed the following night, mentioned on our website that she caught a fish from the stage; so she wasn’t the only artist who enjoyed fishing at the park last weekend. She did an amazing cover of “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac.
Garrison Keillor put on a spectacular performance last night — the heavens must have been impressed because not a single … not a double … but a triple rainbow appeared directly over our gazebo!
Tonight, Friday, July 26, the Connecticut Ballet Summer Dance Caravan performs classical and contemporary duets. As an added bonus, guests who arrive early can try a ballroom dance class. A “Meet & Greet” DJ dance party reception follows the performance. And this is free to the public!
The first two Saturdays in August will feature a Beatles Music Festival with 10 bands on Aug. 3, and a Reggae Festival with Beres Hammond and Maxi Priest on Aug. 10, thanks to the Newtown Savings Bank Fine Arts & Family Series. Tickets are available through our website or at the gate.
