10 Years of Friday Night Live
The Community Arts Center celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Friday Night Live. Photo courtesy of the Community Arts Center
2021 marks the 10-year anniversary of “Friday Night Live,” the Community Arts Center’s live-music and art-event series. To celebrate this decennial year, the center has expanded the number of events it is offering in its spring and fall seasons this year. In addition to the musical performances, local artists will create visual art live at the event. The spring season will kick off with two events in April:
Friday, April 9 (rain date: April 10) Musical performance: The Mini Q’s - Versatile Jazz Organ Trio, featuring vocalist Lee Mo. Live art: Bob Deane, Drew Arata, and other collaborators creating with clay.
Friday, April 23 (rain date: April 24) Musical performance: Gumbo Nouveau, featuring Lisa Chavous playing the music of Harry Belafonte. Special guest Jahiti will perform a short opening set of original acoustic soul. Live art: Desire Grover will paint a portrait of Harry Belafonte.
“It’s exciting to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of this series, which has brought so many incredible musicians” to the center, says executive director Paul Downie. “We are committed to the positive power of live music, and we are so happy to be able to continue hosting performances even in these challenging times.”
Past performers in the series have included Doc Gibbs, Monnette Sudler, Dave Manley, Corey Harris, Tony Miceli, Diane Monroe, Gerald Veasley, Phyllis Chapell, Simple Gifts, Minas, and many others.
Each event will run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on the center’s side lawn. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for seating. The band will perform two sets with a brief intermission. The first set will begin at approximately 7 p.m.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. No pets are permitted on the property. Indoor, single-person restrooms will be available during the event. Please note that restroom access requires the use of stairs at the front entrance of the building.
Bring your own blanket or chairs. Attendees will spread out across the entire lawn, seating at pre-marked spots for physical distancing. For safety, parties will be required to maintain 6 feet between themselves and other parties. All attendees over the age of two must wear masks upon entry and at all times during the event unless eating or drinking. If you are not able to wear a mask for health reasons, the center recommends that you not attend the event.
Admission is $15 per person, $10 for Community Arts Center members, and free to benefactors. Admission for children 12 and under is $5. Advance ticketing is strongly recommended. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 125 attendees. Tickets may be purchased either online, or by calling the center’s office at 610-566-1713.
414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford.
