Central Park Concert Series Begins With a Bang
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 2, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Print
Papa Lapa has been a New Britain resident for 12 years, but hasn’t spent much time in the City.
“I’ve been to CVS, Stop and Shop and Town and Country Pizza. Besides that I never ventured into New Britain,” Lapa said. “New Britain has never had much to offer.”
On Wednesday during the Central Park Concert Series, Lapa a member of the State Judicial Court Juvenile Residential Services Department, saw a different side of the City.
“I think this is good. This is an area that no one ever came to before,” Lapa said of Central Park. “Other cities should follow suit. This is clean and nice. New Britain used to lack things to do. Things like this really gives life to the community. It makes me want to give the City a chance.”
The City is showing off the newly renovated Central Park by offering lunchtime concerts every Wednesday in the month of June. Central Park features a variety of live entertainment and food trucks to encourage people to come down to the park, eat lunch outside and enjoy the music.
Fellow workmate Nick Damico said he has been with the State for 10 years at the ITBD building and this is the first time he has been in Central Park.
“It’s nice to come out and see a clean place,” Damico said. “The food and music has never been here before. Everyone should have something like this.”
“It’s an opportunity for mom and pop shops to get their name out there and be supported,” said Joel Belanger. “I would rather support mom and pop shops than big companies.”
“It’s nice to have a place to come sit outside and have fun,” said Heather Hokunson of The American Savings Foundation. “Seeing the transformation is fantastic. It really seems to be bringing the community together.”
Members of the New Britain Artists Co-op were among the half dozen vendors at the park.
“It is a great way to expose ourselves and show people the great wares we have and what we have to offer,” said Co-Op member Maciah Clark. “Also, it’s a good way to connect with the community.”
It brings a lot of awareness to the co-op and brings the community together for a nice summertime event,” said Melissa Kalinsky. “People can come out, watch us paint and have a good time with us.”
The Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band performed Wednesday to the crowd of over 100 people.
“This is an awesome day. It is a great feeling. Everyone is having a good time. The food trucks and vendors are here. I want to encourage everyone to come out,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “Every Wednesday from July until October we will have a Farmer’s Market right here at Central Park. Come out and enjoy yourself. You might be surprised.”
Musical performances in June include the classic rock band The Bill Hollowman Trio on June 8th, Survivors Swing Band on June 15th, Joey Milardo and the Musical Cavaliers on June 22ndand finally the country/rock band Dr. Ya Ya’s Gumbo Party on June 29th.
In addition to the music, Central Park will also be promoting community wellness through a number of vendors that will be participating in the lunchtime concert series. Vendors such as the American Red Cross are conducting blood pressure readings and blood donor signup along with a Community Health Center information booth as well.
