Music will fill the air in the upcoming Arts on Main event occurring in the Historic Coventry Village on Saturday, August 24. Taking place from 11a-3p, in addition to art workshops, art vendors, an art exhibit, children’s activities, food, a collection of sculptures by world renowned local sculptor David Hayes, free face painting, balloon art and more, two sound stages will offer a variety of entertainment for all ages.
Located in the parking lot of the First Congregational Church, the Main stage starts at 11 A.M. with the duo act From Ashes to Riches. Coventry residents, Dan Dufresnes and Gino LoRicco will offer original selections from their 3 CD albums. Area talent, songwriter and composer, Tony Susi, former band director at Captain Nathan Hale Middle school will follow at 11:30. Tony may be joined on stage by a surprise guest or two. The CT based group, Wine Whiskey & Coke will continue to liven up the audience with a rock sound beginning at noon. Performing selections from their latest CD, “Smooth ride”, the Jan Jungren trio will take the stage at 1:10. With Jan on keyboard and flute, enhanced by bass and drums, the trio offers a unique jazz repertoire. Funk, pop, standards are among the styles offered by the big band sound of Shaded Soul that will end the afternoon’s performances. During the afternoon, the First Congregational Church will hold an outdoor BBQ ,a food court will flank the main music stage as well as craft and art vendors.
Further down Main Street, a second stage located at 1153 Main Street will be devoted to entertainment for children (of all ages). Matt the Balloon Man will offer his unique magic show at 12 Noon. At 1 P.M., audience members can become part of the “On-the Spot” Jug Band, playing all kinds of rhythm instrument and led by local musicians Ruth O’Neil and James Hammitt. DJ Eli will provide music to move by during the final hour of the event. At the same location, an “Instrument Petting Zoo” provided by the Song-a-Day Music Center will be set up for visitors to have an up close look at and try out various musical instruments.
More music can be heard at the Mill Brook Place by area group Dulcimers and More. The group will provide celtic and traditional music from 11 to 1 during the Plein Air exhibit being held at Mill Brook place.
Main Street merchants and restaurants will be open, showcasing their specialties. The several antique and collectibles shops will be a particular draw.
Following major renovations along Main Street (Route 31), this day-long event is meant to bring public attention to Main Street’s new look and to find ways to continue to support the local business community as well as showcase visual and performing arts. The Town of Coventry, along with the Coventry Arts Guild, and the recently formed Coventry Village Partners, have become a collaborative team that is planning this Day of Arts for the community.
Many art activities are planned on the lawn of the Booth Dimock library. Sidewalk chalk art will be being created on the sidewalks lining Main Street.
The Coventry Village businesses are also a focus of the event. A “Business Passport” will be available for attendees of the event to bring to a business they visit in the Village to have “punched”. Attendees can enter their passport into a drawing, to win prizes donated by local businesses, individuals and companies.
“Arts On Main” is free to attend and open to the public. Shuttle buses will be available at the GH Robertson School and the Captain Nathan Hale Middle School.
Please visit the ArtsOnMainCoventry Facebook page for more details leading up to the event as well as the day’s schedule of events. For further information and/or to find out ways to be involved, contact Eric Trott at 860-742-4062.