Simsbury Meadows unveils 2023 season

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

Executive Director Missy DiNunno unveils the events for the 2023 season at the Simsbury Meadows.

SIMSBURY – Some old favorites and some new acts will be welcomed for the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center 2023 season. The headline act will be Australian chart-topping group The Little River Band. The band has sold more than 30 million records and scored 13 US Top 40 hits like “Reminiscing,” Cool Change,” and “Help Is On Its Way.” Simsbury Meadows Executive Missy DiNunno announced that tickets for the concert will go on sale May 5. “ We are so excited. It is huge for us that we booked this,” she said.

This year the Meadows will be producing and booking six shows on its own, a change from past seasons.

“Folks wanted more family programs and we have six of them this year,” said DiNunno. Among the other musical acts this summer will be the Disney Song-Along with The Little Mermen. Performers dress up as Disney characters and the crowd is invited to do the same. The Talcott Mountain Music Festival’s 27th season will include five concerts featuring the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

“We have guest artists who all say ‘I can’t believe there is this great venue in the woods of Connecticut,’” said HSO’s President and CEO Steve Collins. The shows include the music of ABBA, Broadway Hits, Music of The Eagles, and Serpentine Fire, The Music of Earth Wind and Fire.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra President Steve Collins announces the acts for this year’s Talcott Mountain Music Festival at the Simsbury Meadows.

On Saturday August 5, The Simsbury Meadows will be hosting “Brewstock, “ a day of craft beers, food, and music. Doug Wimbish, formerly of Living Colour, as well as others are the featured performers for folks to listen to while sampling some of the state’s best craft beers. The venue will also host its own fundraiser on Aug. 10 with a Dancing Under The Stars Gala featuring live music and catered dining.

Among the returning favorites will be the Circus Smirkus performing under the big top in the field at the Meadows. There will be four shows over two days in August. Also back is the US Coast Guard bands playing several dates featuring musical stylings from jazz to a full band. The Nutmeg Ukulele Festival will take place once again at Eno Memorial Hall on Sept. 9.

Other events throughout the season include the Juneteenth Celebration, which celebrates culture, diversity, and inclusion at a free community event. Guests can bring their own picnic or sit at what is billed as the “longest table” of community members gathered together. The Simsbury Junior Women’s Club Arts and Craft show returns with creations of all types, food, and music. The FAVARH benefit returns for a second year at the Meadows. More than 2,500 people attended last year’s fundraiser for ARC. This year, guests will be treated to the music of Mike DelGuidice featuring the music of Billy Joel.

The Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center is run by volunteers and relies on sponsors, ticket sales, and donations to continue to operate. Recently named 2023 best place for live music in the Best of Hartford Awards, the venue hopes to move forward on expansion plans starting in 2024 to increase what DiNunno said is a place for everyone. “You get to enjoy nature and entertainment. You and your family are outdoors and experiencing world class entertainment at the same time.”

To see the full schedule or learn more about the Simsbury Meadows visit www.simsburymeadows.org.