A toast for, from left, Sharon Rehme, Richard Hockman, Billy and Maureen Auer, all of Fairfield, at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Brian Torff & Friends opened the first show of the season at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Brian Torff, a Fairfield University music professor who helped start the sponsored event, at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
The Geer family of Fairfield, including Jack, Carrie and John, set up in their circle at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Joanne Muskus, left, and Kate Schallau of Fairfield enjoy a lovely evening at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Marc and Nancy Halpert of Fairfield enjoy a bite at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Michael Jehle, executive director, looks over the crowd at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Nelson Bello, percussionist, relaxes before the show at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Penny Pearlman of Westport and Richard Ciappa of Old Greenwich wait for the show at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
Walter Matis, program and volunteer coordinator, directs Larry Laconte and Elaine Pieger of Fairfield to a seating area at the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Jazz Friday concert on July 31, 2020, in Fairfield, Conn.
FAIRFIELD — The sounds and experience of live jazz music drew over a hundred people out to the green at the Fairfield Museum & History Center Friday evening when it kicked off its annual summer series.
Jazz Fridays, which runs through the end of August, opened with local musician Brian Torff & Friends. Torff, a music professor at Fairfield University, helped create the event last year.
“It’s been great,” he said. “People seem to enjoy it.”
Nancy Halpert, of Fairfield, who attended with her husband Marc, agreed.
“The music is wonderful,” she said. “The atmosphere is great and it’s delightful to be outside.”
To promote safety, museum officials chalk-marked large circles throughout the green with 6 feet of distance between them. People brought their chairs, blankets, food and wine, and with the clear, tepid weather were able to enjoy a free concert from an excellent quartet of professional musicians that included percussionist Nelson Bello, drummer Ben Bilello, and guitarist Chris Morrison.
“The museum’s really delighted to be able to do this in what we think is a very safe and careful manner,” said Michael Jehle, the museum’s executive director.
While he told the crowd the town was a little nervous at first about such a large gathering, thanks to everyone following the guidelines — including a plethora of face masks — it was a safe and successful event.
The musicians, too, found it a joy, as the pandemic has sadly stalled so many opportunities for live performances.
“I haven’t done a gig since February or March,” Torff said. “For a musician that’s like you’re starving.”
