One of the hidden jewels of northern Fairfield County is the Charles Ives Center, an outdoor concert park surrounded by 40 acres of woodland and hiking trails on the Westside campus of Western Connecticut State University on Danbury”™s west side.
The 5,000-person capacity park began its life 33 years ago as a venue for classical music, reflecting its namesake, Danbury-born composer Charles Ives (1874-1954). The park is divided into amphitheater seating in front of the stage where ticket prices range between $52 and $72 for the first concert later this month (Earth, Wind & Fire), and a great lawn with cheaper tickets ($30 for adults, $15 for kids) and room for blankets and picnics.
As interest in the classics dwindled culturewide over the years, the park evolved into a pop music venue in an effort to stay afloat, nearly succumbing to debt and rain. Past performers have included Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Melissa Etheridge.
This year the money-losing operation has been taken over by the city of Danbury and WestConn, which together formed the new Charles Ives Authority for the Performing Arts. This summer”™s national acts include Harry Connick Jr., The Black Crowes and Kenny Loggins (www.IvesConcertPark.com).
The university plans to expand the concert park”™s use to include summer art camps, student and faculty presentations, small concerts and nonnational bands. WestConn also plans to build a visual and performing arts center on the campus in about five years, and will utilize both locations for expanded arts performances.
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