SummerWind Performing Arts Center has officially changed course, announcing its 2012 summer schedule, which does not include the big name acts for which the Windsor outdoor concert venue became known. What it does include are top-notch regional acts aimed to please a wide range of entertainment seekers.
The venue's season will kick off on July 1 when The Hartford Pops Band rolls through Windsor with its "Pops Salute to America" show — a "jazzy celebration of independence" just before The Fourth.
According to Michael Campbell, SS&C SummerWind Executive Director, the shift toward local entertainment will allow the non-profit organization to emphasize that the concert venue belongs to the local community.
"We have a world-class venue, and the local bands that are top-notch and other groups like Connecticut Ballet, who are very interested in playing... they don't have the opportunity to play this kind of venue," Campbell said. "What a rich resource and collaboration it is to work with our arts organizations that are homegrown in the state of Connecticut and give them an opportunity to play."
The Pops Band is just the beginning to a season running through August 19 that will bring the Connecticut Ballet, New Orleans jazz, 70's folk rock and the sounds of Johnny Cash to town.
The new series, called "Sundays at SummerWind," also plans to put smiles on the faces of its patrons by offering much lower prices.
While SummerWind's shows have traditionally cost upward of $100 for seats under the tent, and $35 for a patch of grass on the lawn, patrons can enjoy general admission seating at "Sundays at SummerWind" for $15.
This season's full schedule is as follows:
July 1st — The Hartford Pops Band
Celebrate Independence with the jazzy sounds of Americana.
July 8th — Connecticut Ballet
The CT Ballet dances into summer with classical, contemporary, and dramatic performances.
July 15th — Howard Fishman & His Band
Enjoy New Orleans jazz, Brooklyn soul, open-hearted country, blues, gospel and the American Songbook.
July 22nd — The Hartford Pops Band
Relive the magic of Broadway favorites with vocalists Steve Mitchell & Sarah Armstrong.
July 29th — Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra
Experience one-of-a-kind covers from Queen, The Who, The Beatles, Bowie, Zeppelin like never before!
August 5th — The Shinolas & Friends
Enjoy original music fused with sounds of Johnny Cash, Neil Young, The Beach Boys, Hank Williams and more.
August 12th — The Pousette-Dart Band
Combine 70s folk, contemporary rock covers and original music for a one-of-a-kind rockin' night.
August 19th — Viva Quetzal & The Val Ramos Ensemble
Features Latin-inspired festival featuring music from the Andes to Andalusia, as well as flamenco music and dancers.
Tickets can be purchased online at SSCSummerWind.org
