June 15, 2023  |  Waterbury Roundabout

The annual Thursday night summer concert series organized by the Waterbury Rotary Club kicks off this week with the first of 10 live music performances tonight.

Held in conjunction with the Waterbury Farmers Market, the concerts host performers at Rusty Parker Memorial Park from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The music overlaps with the market which starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. The free concerts now in their 41st season will run each Thursday night through Aug. 17.

The Michelle Fay Band starts off the series this week. The group’s sound is described as folk, swing and bluegrass. Singer-songwriter Fay plays guitar and banjo. Tim Price adds instrumentals on mandolin and guitar.

The ensemble includes fiddler Kalev Freeman and Michael Santosusso on tenor harmonies and the upright bass.

Find the latest concert schedule information on the Waterbury Rotary Club website and Facebook page.

Summer concert schedule

June 22: Still Kickin'

A Waterbury favorite. R&B, classic rock, Latin, country with even a bit of rap/hip-hop. Still Kickin’ has a simple mantra: “Great music never goes out of style.”

Conceived nearly 16 years ago by an experienced quartet of Vermont musicians, the band shares a passion for diverse musical styles and the joyful interaction of live performance. Through the years the band has added a horn section, a female vocalist and multi-percussionist to further expand their musical repertoire into R&B, rock, jazz, country and Latin styles.

Still Kickin' is: Eric Weeber (bass, vocals), Brenda Caforia-Weeber (trumpet, vocals), Alison Porter (vocals, percussion), Sergio Torres (guitar, harp, vocals), Tom McDonough (guitar, vocals), Kevin Morrison (drum kit, vocals), and legendary multi-instrumentalist "Sax Man" Joe Moore. Find them on Facebook, too.

*Corner Junction Bluegrass Band | courtesy photo*

June 29: The Corner Junction Bluegrass Band

Drawing inspiration from original bluegrass bands, Corner Junction Bluegrass Band hails from Enosburg Falls and is known for their deep harmonies, fast pace, and a passion for all that is bluegrass.

All of the guys are vocalists and they came together in 2021 with Neal Brown on stand-up bass, Ernie Minetti on guitar, George Seymour on banjo, Allen Gratton playing mandolin, and fiddler Willy Dallas.

*Bob and Sarah Amos Band | courtesy photo*

July 6: Bob and Sarah Amos Band

Musician, songwriter and award-winning producer, Bob Amos is a Vermont bluegrass original described by Art Edelstein writing in the Times Argus as “one of the most talented bluegrass artists in the country.”

Performing along with Bob is his daughter Sarah with their band. Amos also runs a recording studio in the Northeast Kingdom where he produces projects for New England Americana, folk and bluegrass artists. See and hear more at bobamos.com.

July 13: Maple Run Band

Expect a mixture of Americana, roots rock, alt-country twang, indie, retro, jam band and paisley underground from the versatile Maple Run Band.

The group’s second LP, “Used to be the Next Big Thing,” was released in November 2022. The band is: Trevor Crist on vocals, guitar, piano, Hammond organ, drums and percussion; Nicole Valcour on vocals and drums; Bill Mullins playing electric guitar and John Spencer on bass.

July 20: Guagua

In Cuba and the Canary Islands, “guagua” means “bus” and this ride is original "psychotropical jazz" blending guitar, piano and horn sounds with tropical African, Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms. Their website, guaguavt.com, is under construction. Find them on Facebook.

July 27: Tim Brick Band

Vermont country rocker Tim Brick has played the stages of Central Texas before returning to his Green Mountain roots. A soulful singer-songwriter who says he isn't afraid to get rowdy, Brick’s recent album release is “Homegrown Remedy,” in 2022. See and hear more at tbrickmusic.com.

Aug. 3: Lewis Creek Band

After a 35-year hiatus, the original Addison County band is back playing classic country and oldies from then and now.

Aug. 10: Prydein

Returning to the Rusty Parker stage, this American Celtic rock band with Vermont roots always draws a crowd. Playing traditional Celtic tunes and classic rock, a Prydein show blends American rock with great Highland bagpipes. Read their story, hear their tunes online at prydein.com.

Aug. 17: Mirage

Five harmonizing vocalists, dual guitars, and a catalog of rock ’n’ roll classics make this group a fine finale for the season. Based in Central Vermont, Mirage has been the life of the party for two decades. Wear your dancing shoes.

Find them on Facebook and here’s a YouTube clip.

Summer tunes: 10 Rotary Concerts in the Park start this week