SummerWind's Shift Brings New Sounds and New Patrons

SS&C SummerWind Performing Arts Center's season opener on Sunday was a bit different from years past. 

The region's premier outdoor performance center wasn't booming with the sounds of a world-renowned act over the weekend, instead it was the scene of local, family-oriented fun.

Seating closest to the stage, which would run $135 per seat in the past, were replaced by full tables, upon which patrons dined throughout the performance. 

The picnic atmosphere extended out to SummerWind's lawn, where families spread out on blankets while their youngest children had ample room to romp around in the summer night.

Sunday's opening represented a change for the headlining act as well.

The Hartford Pops Band, a group of local amateur musicians featured on brass and woodwinds, played under the arts centers' tent for the first time in its history.

Playing just days before the Fourth of July, the band presented the sounds of Americana, entertaining guests with the likes of Artie Shaw, Cole Porter, patriotic anthems and more.

Bands like the Hartford Pops, the Connecticut Ballet and Howard Fishman (who will play the stage at SummerWind over the next two weeks), wouldn't have traditionally headlined a summer event at the venue. Sunday's at SummerWind has made highlighting local talent possible, and its associated lower prices have also attracted an entirely new base of customer — customers like Kevin St. Dennis, a South Windsor resident who made his first trip to the venue in Windsor's corporate district as part of a fundraiser organized by his church.

"I think it's great. It's a nice venue. I plan to come back for some more," said St. Dennis. "There's a lot of good local talent around. It's good to hear it."

With adult ticket prices topping out at $25 and children getting in for free, West Hartford resident Adrian Homestead had no problem heading out for the night with her husband and two kids.

"I think it's awesome," Homestead said of SummerWind's community approach. "You can come and relax. There's not as much pressure to prepare. You can just come and have fun... It's just a great summer night and a chance to all be together."

Sundays at SummerWind runs through August 19. The season's lineup is as follows:

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