Alive@Five, Wednesday Nite Live and their Mill River Park Debut

Die-hard Alive@Five fans may notice some differences at the Stamford concerts this year. Greater greenspace, more drink choices, shorter lines, the ability to buy tickets in advance and an amazing lineup are just some of the new benefits that Stamford Downtown has ensured will result in an even more positive concert experience.

For the small price of $25 per ticket, the city will welcome remarkable talent to the stage throughout September.

Jon Batiste will take the stage on the first Thursday of the month, coming off a successful 2020 with his features on the Disney/Pixar film “Soul” soundtrack, for which he won an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, NAACP Image Award and Critic’s Choice Award. Third Eye Blind is also in the September lineup, bringing rock ‘n’ roll to Stamford following the release of their sixth album, “Screamer.”

Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler will play as a pair at Mill River Park on Sept. 9. The musicians recently released an extended version of their already incredibly successful collaborative EP, “brent”, an album that was produced and recorded in a Connecticut log cabin during lockdown. Hip hop’s “King of the South,” Ludacris, will close out the fall series on Sept. 30.

Wednesday Nite Live will bring the energy this year, too, with the iconic best-selling R&B group of all time, Boyz II Men. The group has sold over 64 million albums throughout their 25 years in music.

Blues Traveler, Village People and Jefferson Starship

are the additional stars of this September’s Wednesday nights.

Including arguably some of the most acclaimed acts in Alive@Five and Wednesday Nite Live history, the talent lineup has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.

With the switch to a new venue, Stamford Downtown leadership is expecting a successful concert season after taking last year off due to the pandemic. Stamford Downtown President David Kooris believes that Mill River Park is a more compatible venue for the city’s beloved concert series, providing the opportunity for audiences to spread out and have a better experience all around.

“Last year was definitely an eye-opening experience to realize how closely the concerts and Stamford downtown coexist as a brand,” Kooris said. “The park presents, I think, a better setting and a better experience.”

Concertgoers are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee admission and minimize time spent waiting in line. Online tickets are on sale for $25 apiece, an unbeatable rate for shows featuring such extraordinary talent. Ticket price will increase to $35 the day of the show.

VIP tickets will be offered online to be purchased in advance only, providing guests the luxury of a separate entrance to the venue and in a secluded area closer to the stage, a separate bathroom, bar and one free drink coupon per guest.

Both Alive@Five and Wednesday Nite Live will bring the appearances of some of Stamford’s food truck favorites along with beer and wine for purchase.

Kooris feels that online ticketing only elevates the concert experience, providing guests the benefits of a professional venue while still retaining the casualness that the Stamford concerts have always had. The inexpensive ticket cost, high quality of talent and efficiency of entry will ensure a fantastic evening for all.

“It’s in the middle of the city, but in this natural setting,” Kooris said of the new venue. “It’s close to all the bars and restaurants, but not as congested.”

Wednesday Nite Live is an all-ages event, kids 12 and under receiving free admission if accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Alive@ Five is a 21+ event and all guests must provide a valid form of ID upon entry.

For both Wednesday and Thursday concerts, there will be two entrances to the event located at either end of Mill River Park so that no matter where you’re coming from in Downtown Stamford, there will be a convenient way into the venue.

For more information visit http://stamford-downtown. com/signature-events/ Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite at http://stamford-downtown. eventbrite.com