The Alive At Five Concert Series is Ending. Here’s Why
Stamford Downtown Made the Announcement Earlier Today
STAMFORD — On Monday, December 2, the Stamford Downtown Special Services District announced that the annual Alive At Five concert series will not return next summer.
Continue reading for all the latest information on their decision.
Despite being a popular attraction and the city’s biggest music festival, Stamford Downtown indicated that the plan is to move in a different direction.
“Stamford Downtown is re-imagining its event and marketing programming to be more responsive to the tastes of the rapidly growing day- and night-time populations within Downtown,” Stamford Downtown’s President Michael Moore said, “and to continue to position Downtown as the center for dining and entertainment for Stamford, surrounding communities, and the region.”
After debuting in 1997, the festival welcomed such performers as Boyz II Men, The Beach Boys, Third Eye Blind, Hootie and The Blowfish, Michael McDonald, Shaggy, Jon Batiste, Ashanti, and All-American Rejects. Alive At Five moved to Mill River Park in 2021 and has been held there each year since then.
“Am I sad to see it go? You bet! When we began the series there wasn’t a venue for miles to see the level of national talent that we brought to the Alive At Five stage,” Lynne Colatrella, senior vice president of events and marketing for Stamford Downtown who has worked on the series since 1999, said in the press release. “We started modestly with local favorite Sharkey and the Unknowns and built the shows over the years that included Southside Johnny, America, Joe Bonamassa, and The Bacon Brothers.”
Most recently, in 2024, headliner acts Sublime With Rome, Lil’ Kim, and Wyclef Jean took to the stage for each of their own concerts.
"Stamford Downtown’s future is bright," Moore said. "We’re excited to craft new experiences that celebrate our community and enhance Downtown's vibrancy."
“While Alive At Five bids farewell, Stamford Downtown remains committed to hosting dynamic events year-round,” the announcement stated. Coming up this weekend, Stamford Downtown will host the annual Heights & Lights holiday event on Sunday, December 8.
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