Fairfield's Groovin' on the Green concerts 2019: What to know

Fairfield’s summer concert series, Groovin’ on the Green, will kick off tonight with a performance by the Fairfield High School Band at Village Green Park. The free, Thursday night concert series will continue through Aug. 22.

“The concerts will feature different genres for all age groups. We have a great lineup, and I’m also excited about the Craft Menageries, which are new this year. It’s going to be a true community event. You can watch a concert, grab a bite to eat, and shop,” said Brittany Theilman, community events coordinator for the city of Fairfield.

With the exception of tonight’s show, which starts at 6:30 p.m., concerts will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each week with an intermission at 8 p.m.

New this year, the Craft Menageries will begin at 6 p.m. They will feature a variety of arts and crafts vendors, who will showcase their work, and offer items for purchase. With up to 10 crafters at each concert, offerings will include items such as paintings and hand-made pieces like jewelry and candles. A food truck and a dessert truck will also be on site each week, starting at 6 p.m.

Theilman said it has become a tradition for musicians from Fairfield High School to be featured at the first concert of the season. It’s a great chance for the students to play at the Village Green Amphitheater, and the evening is always well received by the community.

Fairfield Parks and Recreation’s Groovin’ on the Green Concert Series will feature several new bands, along with a mix of returning crowd favorites. New bands in the 2019 concert lineup include River City, Final Order, 3 Piece Revival and Stagger Lee.

Returning bands include Thunderbay, who have played at the series for many years, as well as other popular favorites like Ricky Nye, Inc. and Anna & The Deeper Well. Forever Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute act, and the city’s most requested band for the past two years, will perform again this season.

Previously, Butler Philharmonic Orchestra has played their own concert at Village Green, apart from the series. This year, the group’s performance is being incorporated into the Groovin’ on the Green concert series.

“The concert series is great for the entire community. We have families, we have guests of all different ages, young and old, so it’s a great way to get to know the people in Fairfield. We have a lot of returning concertgoers each week, and you see a lot of familiar faces. It’s just another aspect of what home is to Fairfield,” said Jen Combs, community events programmer for the city of Fairfield.

The Community Arts Center balcony and community room will be open each week, and guests can enjoy Groovin’ Grill, which will feature grilled food — hamburgers, hot dogs and a side, along with drinks (available for purchase) during the Groovin’ on the Green concerts. Dinner and drinks will be available from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., while the bar will remain open until the conclusion of the concert.

2019 Groovin’ on the Green Schedule

May 16 — Fairfield High School Band

June 6 — Final Order

June 13 — 3 Piece Revival

June 20 — Anna & the Deeper Well

June 27 — Brother Smith

July 11 — Ricky Nye, Inc.

July 18 — Linus Tate

July 25 — River City

Aug. 1 — Stagger Lee

Aug. 8 — Butler Philharmonic Orchestra

Aug. 15 — Forever Diamond

Aug. 22 — Thunderbay

HOW TO GO

What: Groovin' on the Green

When: Thursdays through Aug. 22, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Craft Menageries will start at 6 p.m. (One exception: tonight's Fairfield High School Band will begin at 6:30 p.m.) There will be no concert on July 4.

Where: Village Green Park, Fairfield

Cost: Free

More info: www.fairfield-city.org/groovin