When the Bristol Fourth of July Committee decided to move the Fourth of July Concert Series to Independence Park, many thought it was a gamble at the very least. There were those native Bristolians who were steadfast at keeping this annual musical event at its usual location … in front of the Colt School in the heart of the town’s business district.

However, once the decision was made to move the musical series in front of Bristol Harbor on Thames Street, many changed their tune.

Longtime Fourth of July Committee member Ray Lavey was one of the forces who made the most of the move. Independence Park seemed a most logical locale to handle the anticipated large number of people who would attend the two-week event.

Since Ray stepped aside as Concert Series chairman a few years ago, current Chairwoman Patti Nenna and Co-chair Tammy Mojkowski took over full control of this particular committee, and since then, the event hasn’t missed a beat.

Ms. Nenna didn’t exactly anticipate the challenges that faced her right off the bat when she took over the enormous task of getting some of the best musical talent available locally and beyond.

“It was the year 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic of course ruined everything,” she said. ”But in 2021 and last year, we recovered to the point where everything was pretty much back to normal.”

Click here to view the entire schedule of shows.

She explained that this year, 78 musical groups applied to enter the series, and 22 were selected to play starting June 20 and continuing through July 2.

“Only two standing bands didn’t have to apply,” she said. “They were the 88th Army Band and the East Bay Summer Wind Ensemble.”

One of the highlights on this year’s schedule is the appearance of the Eric Bloom Band on Monday, June 26. Eric Benny Bloom, a native son of Bristol and graduate of Mt. Hope High School, is a Grammy winning trumpet player for the world renowned funk band Lettuce.

“The Mt. Hope High School Vocal & Rock Group will also play one night,” said Ms. Nenna.

Both Patti and Tammy could never do this all by themselves. It takes all 16 members of the Concert Series Committee to make this event such a huge success.

“This is an all-year thing for me and the committee,” Patti confessed. “Bands contact us all year long. Then, we have to decide if we can afford them and check to see if they are available. People don’t like change. We try to give people what they want most. I even found two bands from the Bristol PorchFest.”

Between Patti and Tammy, 135 hours of volunteer work is put in — not counting all the other hours that are dedicated from the rest of the committee in making this event happen. It certainly is an amazing effort by everyone concerned. 

Members of the 2023 Music & Entertainment Subcommittee include Patti Nenna, Chair; Tammy Mojkowski, Co-Chair; and Gena Campbell, Maria Ursini, Rosemarie Sirois, Alan Palumbo. Barbara Palumbo, Sean Palumbo, Ana Motta, Donna Chabot, Elaine Rusk, Jim Tavares, Lisa Sousa Fisher, Frank Fales, Ray Lavey, and Donna Falcoa.

This town is blessed to have such a dedicated group of people doing what they have to do in order to make the 4th of July Concert Series enjoyable music to everyone’s ears.