Bridge Street Live celebrates 10th year

Outdoor concerts scheduled in October, November

Like every entertainment venue in Connecticut, Bridge Street Live in Collinsville has remained “dark” and had to cancel its entire lineup this year because of COVID-19.

Following its annual winter hiatus, BSL was scheduled to open on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and booked shows throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

“Obviously, we never got to open our doors at all this season” said owner Gary Cardillo. “Even with the recent easing of restrictions on indoor gatherings, there was no way we could safely, or financially, justify scheduling shows even though many of our long-time patrons kept asking us to do so.”

After reading about drive-in concerts being promoted throughout the country, including Connecticut, the staff set out to develop an alternate plan for BSL. With a large parking area and an elevated loading dock, the idea to move outdoors was not such a daunting task, according to a statement. “Between moving dates so we could do afternoon shows and coordinating with the bands and entertainers, rescheduling the calendar proved to be a bit tricky, but the entertainers were very grateful for the support and happy to get back to work. The logistics of adhering to current social distancing protocols required even more thought, but the planning team came up with a layout and guidelines that will ensure the safety of the fans and performers.

Events coordinator Garret Cardillo, Gary’s son, said that the effort serves two purposes. “We feel live music is essential to our overall well-being and quality of life. In order to offer support for the musicians and to facilitate our shows, we decided to move to the great outdoors,” he said.

Weekly shows will begin Oct. 10 with the Gaelic and Garlic Comedy Special, followed by the Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Tusk Oct. 17. Hey Nineteen, performing the music of Steely Dan, will be featured on Oct. 24, and a Mask-CureAid fundraiser show with Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez with special guest James Montgomery is scheduled for Halloween, Oct. 31.

Wrapping up the outdoor series Nov. 7 is a performance by Tom Rush, accompanied by Matt Nakoa. Tickets are limited for these Saturday shows, all of which are scheduled to start at 1 p.m., with a rain date reserved for the following day.

There will be assigned parking spaces for cars based on the order of arrival and alternate spaces for attendees to set up lawn chairs. Face masks and social distancing will be required if guests leave their designated location.

For more information on the shows, the safety protocols, and ticket sales, go to 41bridgestreet.com.

Bridge Street Live / Contributed photo Bridge Street Live in Collinsville is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a lineup of outdoor concerts in October and November.