3 minute read
You Oughta Know Reggae
Gettin Ziggy with it in Greenwich
Most people who play an instrument or are in a band dream of the big stage—playing to a big crowd. But as with all things in life, that won’t happen for the majority of people. For five lucky bands in the Greenwich community, the dream isn’t over, as the Town Stage at the Greenwich Town Party is giving them a chance to open up for legendary acts at the annual festival.
Entering its twelfth year, the Greenwich Town Party has had legendary acts headline, including Billy Joel, the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates… and frankly the list goes on and on. This year’s headliners include Alanis Morissette and Ziggy Marley. The brainchild of a mysterious “community-minded town resident” as it says on the website, the Greenwich Town Party was inspired by annual town parties in his wife’s home country of Spain. “Motivated by the values of building community through celebration, he returned home and embarked on creating the Greenwich Town Party,” the site says, “His idea was met with tremendous support. The GTP launched in 2013 and has become a part of the fabric of Greenwich.” It is run by a non-profit corporation, with collaboration from the town on logistics.
What is so special about the Town Stage is it takes that idea one step further. It was “created to celebrate the diverse and abundant talent within the Greenwich community,” and is open to Greenwich residents & employees of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. The artists who earned a spot this year include Jake Swamp & The Pine; North County Band; Marci Lynn And The Boys!; Kaintuck; and Connor Sobieri Group.
Perhaps, not surprisingly, tickets for the event sell out every year despite the fact that the majority of the tickets are reserved for Greenwich residents and people who work in town. There are several “neighbor” passes that come with a steep price of $500, although that does come with a “designated waterfront” area with a custom menu and selection of premium beer & wine.
The same mysterious founder, who just so happens to be Ray Dalio, matched $5 million in donations to set up an endowment fund for the event so the Party can keep going. And while many people will continue to look forward to the legends, local bands will continue to look forward to the chance to play a big stage for their community.
