New Haven Independent

The Thursday-night concerts will feature seven well-known jazz groups performing from 6-8 p.m., from July 9 through Aug. 20.

“It’s going to be an exciting series,” said Ed Tankus, founder of Blue Plate Radio, an internet jazz station. “It will help local businesses create the idea that this is a nice happening place,” Tankus said. “There’s a lot of possibilities.”

Tankus is spearheading the project along with the Branford Recreation Department and the Branford Festival organization. The town has offered Sunday evening concerts on the Green over the past years, with a mixed variety of musical genres. But attendance had become sparse, and some speculated it was because people were busy with other pastimes on Sundays.

“We thought we would revamp the summer concert series,” said Alex Palluzzi, director of the Recreation Department. “We wanted to do more for the community.”

“It’s a great idea,” said First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos. “It gives people an opportunity to get out, especially in times like these.”

People can bring lawn chairs or spread blankets on the Green and enjoy a picnic dinner while listening to an evening of jazz. Or they can dine at any of the nearby restaurants before or after the concerts, or combine shopping and listening.

“Do some shopping, have dinner, listen to some jazz. It doesn’t get much better than that,” DaRos said.

Palluzzi said it’s important to continue providing free summer entertainment, especially since the economy has tightened so many household budgets.

“A lot of people are looking to stay in town this summer,” Palluzzi said. “We want to keep bringing people to the Green. Even with tough times, we feel the Center is vibrant.”

Thursday nights were chosen because that’s when most Town Center shops stay open late. Merchants and restaurant owners will offer promotional tie-ins to coincide with the concert series. “Economically, it will be good for everyone,” Palluzzi said.

Town leaders, musicians and local sponsors gathered on the steps of Town Hall to announce the upcoming concert series.

Tankus was instrumental in scheduling the entertainers and promoting the concerts. Several area businesses and organizations have agreed to sponsor the series. “There has been a lot of grass-roots support,” Tankus said. “We’re all pretty excited about it.”

The schedule features: Airborne, July 9; Closed Till Dark, July 16; Gary Grippo Quintet, July 23; Dana Lauren, July 30; Laco Deczi and Celula New York, Aug. 6; Mikata, Aug. 13; and Rohn Lawrence and Friends featuring Jay Rowe, Aug. 20. Additional information may be found at the new Branford jazz website.
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