Stamford Downtown Announces New Mural, Additional Summer Concerts
New Musical Events Will Complement Already Announced Lineup for Alive At Five
STAMFORD — The city’s downtown scene is getting even more colorful and melodious. Work is underway on a new mural and even more live music performances are planned for this summer.
The Downtown Stamford Services District (DSSD) announced the ongoing installation of the new crosswalk mural dubbed “All Walks of Life,” which will colorfully connect the Bedford Street Garage (17 Forest Street) to the Bedford Street Passageway (189 Bedford Street) alongside artwork on a wall mural between the elevator and the pedestrian exit.
According to a new press release shared with the Stamford Current, this vibrant mural was created by Stamford artist Lauren Clayton, who was also behind the “Now Playing, Stamford Downtown” artwork in Kiwanis Park in 2022. This latest installment follows the garage’s recent multi-million-dollar facelift and repairs which “has made the garage safer, brighter, and more inviting,” per the release. “Simultaneously, the city has completed a redesign of the surface lot, to improve the motorist and pedestrian experience.” The mural contains an array of yellow, blue, and green tones with an assortment of floral and animal figures.
Clayton collaborated with several local artists includingTara Blackwell, Alissa Siegal, Bry Isriel, Mike Bazelais, Weverson Ponte, and Byron Soza, who are either from Stamford originally or are current residents. The mural between the elevator and the pedestrian exit of the Bedford Street Garage will also be painted with the iconic figures seen in the crosswalk. “Each figure will be linked hand-to-hand and painted by a different artist,” the announcement said.
“One of Stamford’s greatest qualities is its diversity. It is in a way a city [at] a crossroads, bringing people (and animals) from all walks of life together,” Clayton said. “I am excited to work with these artists, the City and Stamford Downtown Special Services District to help transform this popular area with art.”
The crosswalk creation is expected to be completed by mid-July. For more information on the project, visit studio162.com/allwalksoflife.
Fans of songs in the classical variety or from the 1960s will each have a chance to enjoy some events that will be music to their ears — literally.
On Thursday, July 18, the Brass Quintet from Orchestra Lumos will play a selection of tunes at Veterans Memorial Park. Beginning at 6:30 pm, the musicians will perform “traditional brass favorites [and] summertime favorites from Broadway,” a Downtown Stamford Services District press release shared with the Current said.
Just two weeks later, even more music is on tap for Mill River Park a day after an Alive At Five performance by Lil’ Kim. On Friday, August 2, at 7:00 pm, singer Chaz Esposito will take the stage to entertain attendees with a collection of 1960s songs during his Legends of the 60’s show. It will include songs by Bobby Darin, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Dion DiMucci, Elvis Presley, Neil Sedaka, Neil Sedaka, Frank Sinatra, and other popular entertainers of the decade.
Among the classic hits, to be played are That’s Life, Mack The Knife, Danke Schoen, It’s Not Unusual, Can’t Take My Eyes off You, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, and Sweet Caroline, the release said. “Backed by a jamming big band, Legends of the 60s will be a sensational evening of music, stories, and laughs.” The event is sponsored by Mill River Park and F.D. Rich Company.
Seating is limited for both programs. Anyone interested in either concert is encouraged to bring their own chair if feasible. Both of these new events are free and open to all ages. Additional information can be found on the Downtown Stamford site at stamford-downtown.com/events.
On Thursday, June 27, DSSD hosted a block party on lower Summer Street to celebrate the completion of the expanded pedestrian access and recognize the wide array of restaurants and entertainment offerings in the area.
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