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05/19/2020 12:00 AMThe pandemic has altered the spring season in many ways in terms of sports, religious traditions, and the school schedule. Just how different the summer will be, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation like the town’s summer concert series, is still uncertain, though due to the advanced planning required, a decision is expected sooner rather than later.
Although the first phase of Governor Ned Lamont’s reopening plan starts on May 20, North Haven Director of Recreation Andy DelVecchio says the decision on North Haven’s concert series has not been made yet.
“We’re waiting to see what the guidelines are going to be from the state,” said DelVecchio. “They haven’t changed the one [executive order] for social gatherings. Right now, everything is a wait-and-see situation.”
North Haven’s summer concert series, which has run for more than 30 years, typically starts the first Tuesday in June and runs to the last Tuesday in August. It’s a joint effort across various departments in town.
“Our residents and residents from all over the area really enjoy our Tuesday night series because it represents a venue where people can come together and relax and have a good time,” said First Selectman Mike Freda.
A typical lineup includes 13 different groups playing country, rock ‘n roll, and tribute bands, among other genres.
“We try to put together a diverse mix,” said DelVecchio. “We try to cover everything from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s right up to today’s music.”
Last year, the five-member cover band Nightshift was included in the series. The show was memorable for more than the audience.
“It was absolutely the best one of the concerts we’ve ever done,” said Kenny Hicks, a vocalist and keyboardist for Nightshift. “It had the biggest crowds and the [North Haven] Park and Recreation Department treated us so well.”
Although Nightshift won’t be playing on the green in North Haven this summer, Hicks says that with proper social distancing, outdoor music “is sorely what people need right now.”
North Haven’s music series “has always been well received. We enjoy doing it,” said DelVecchio. “It’s a nice thing for the summer.”
If the annual summer series were to kick-off this year, it would be done without the help of business sponsorships.
“If we do anything this year, we would not be asking any sponsors for any help based on the current situation,” said DelVecchio. “We have not reached out to anyone because of the pandemic and what it is doing to businesses.”
The town has been working with the state to provide North Haven businesses with the resources they need, according to Freda.
In late April, the governor announced a reopening of the state in four phases. It’s unclear whether outdoor music concerts will be included in the next phase, which includes summer camps and outdoor sports that allow for social distancing.
“We’re just waiting to see,” said DelVecchio. “As we’re getting more information about what reopening guidelines are, we’re going to go from there.”
Freda says a decision on whether North Haven’s summer concert series can proceed could come in late May. It will be made in conjunction with DelVecchio and Fire Chief Paul Januszewski, who is also the town’s emergency management director.