It’s that time of the year when the Town Green is dotted with families and friends listening to live music sponsored by local businesses. Photo by Donna Manz.
The Vienna Town Green concert series kicked off on Friday, May 30 with a performance by Bill Emerson and the Sweet Dixie Band, and a tribute to the late mayor M. Jane Seeman. The band was a personal favorite of Seeman and the Town paid a fitting tribute to her memory with lit candles as the concert closed. Mayor Laurie DiRocco spoke briefly on Seeman’s legacy.
For families lazing on the blankets or on lawn chairs, the concert heralded the beginning of early summer.
“We look forward to spring,” said 52-year Vienna resident June Terry, who has been coming to the concerts with her husband since the performance series started. “When we see the notice in the town newsletter, we say, ‘spring is here.’”
As is common during the concerts, the lawn was dotted with families with young children, seniors and friends sharing picnic dinner or snacks. Some said they came spontaneously. Others were looking for something to do on a warm, bright spring evening. The Molinini family was there for the first time, celebrating dad Louis’s birthday. “Mom heard they were having music here tonight, so we came,” said 7-year-old Joseph Molinini. “We have a lot of open space.” When 4-year-old Matthew Molinini was asked if he liked the music, he answered, “I think I want pudding.”
Upcoming scheduled performances are June 6: Vienna Idol; June 8: Kingsley Winter Band – Rock; June 13: Annapolis Bluegrass; June 15: NRJ – Rock; June 18: Children’s Show - Rocknocerous Sponsored by Vienna Moms, Inc; June 20: Nitehawks Swing Band; June 22: US Navy Sea Chanters; June 25:Childrens Show - Networking for the Arts Foundation - Beatle Kids; June 27: Sarah Bennett Swanner - Soulful Blues; June 29: The Tonics - Blues/Rock; July 11: Stealin' the Deal - Rock and Country; July 13: Village Jazz Band; July 18: Feedback - Classic and Alternative Rock; July 20: US Navy Commodores; July 25: Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone; July 27: Vienna Community Band. For details, go to http://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?nid=879. For weather updates and cancellations, call Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360.
“You can’t beat the entertainment. We like the variety,” Terry said. “This is a good place to gather and see the community.”