A hot, steamy evening, the snap of a crisp breeze, a sky full of stars and, ooh, that sizzle of live music—summertime partners perfectly with your favorite soul, rock, country, pop and all types of music. Lucky for you, our area has a number of hot acts lined up—too many to print on this page, but we’ll point you in the right direction.
Levitt Performing Center for the Arts
40 Jesup, Westport
This Westport nonprofit hosts more than fifty nights of free entertainment each summer. “We have an incredible track record of presenting performers from around the world who’ve won Grammies and Kennedy Center Honors and who regularly play at some of the most prestigious festivals and venues in the world,” says Carleigh Welsh, marketing director. “We attract 50,000 people to Westport each summer.” Stroll along the riverwalk, grab a roll at Matsu Sushi, and rock out under the stars on Jesup Green, the site of the Pavilion’s 2013 season (see lineup online). In addition to the stellar season, don’t miss special benefit events like Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason on July 6!
80 E. Ridge St., Ridgefield
Amazing talent takes the stage at the Ridgefield Playhouse. This nonprofit hosts legendary performers year-round. Here’s a sampling of the incredible performers headed our way this season: Kenny Wayne Sheperd, Travis Tritt, Survivor, and Donavon Frankenrelter. The one-and-only Lyle Lovett headlines the summer gala on July 8, and John Hiatt visits on August 9.
Columbus Park, Stamford
Nearby Stamford also attracts big-name musicians, such as Wynonna Judd (July 18), Bret Michaels (July 25) Howie Day (August 8) and Michael McDonald (August 15); plus jazz performances on Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (July 10-August 7).
70 Sanford St., Fairfield
Amazingly, the Fairfield Theatre Company brings in a variety of musicians like Paula Cole (July 12) and English Beat(July 13) night after night. Check out the extensive line up at its website.