Hundreds of 20-somethings crowded the Metro-North trains last Thursday afternoon, some carrying six-packs, paper bags or plastic cups in hand. This scene has become a weekly ritual this summer as they head to the outdoor concert series in Stamford known as Alive@Five.
Each Thursday night starting at 5 p.m., a nationally known artist headlines the Crystal Rock Stage in Stamford’s downtown Columbus Park with a regionally known performer opening.
Last Thursday, a bit of the West Coast came out east as San Francisco natives and early-2000s nostalgia band Third Eye Blind hit the stage.
The summer concert series is attracting thousands from all over Connecticut and New York. For the July 21 event, fans turned out to watch the alt-rockers play their classic hits like “Jumper,” “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Going to Be?”
So many people lined up to attend, security had to turn many away. From the stage, frontman Stephan Jenkins told the crowd how honored he felt that so many people came out to watch the band, also adding that there were still “2,000 more people outside the gates that couldn’t get in.”
Some of those left out watched from the tops of nearby parking garages just to get a glimpse.
Last summer the series drew 40,000 people and, according to Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown — the organization responsible for managing and promoting the downtown area — she’s expecting the same turnout this year.
The concert series, now approaching week four of six, initially kicked off July 7 with rock group O.A.R. and the following week hosted brother trio Hanson, best known for their song “MMMbop.”
Local bars and restaurants in the area offer special deals throughout the night, while other businesses and vendors line the street with tents.
Underage drinking is a concern — it’s been a problem at the series in the past — so a strict 21 and older rule is now in place.
Goldstein mentions another new change this year as the nation becomes more “security conscious” is that all attendees must present their driver’s license or other form of federal identification. Each ID then gets scanned through a computer system.
There are several gates to enter the grounds, but one line in particular is only meant for people aged 35 or older to enter through — and this line is the shortest.
The other lines are designated for anyone younger and wait time is often at least 30 minutes.
But most say the wait is worth it as everyone dances with drinks in hands, socializing with friends and screaming back the lyrics to the artists on stage.
Downtown Stamford is considered a great gathering place for millennials. “We have a wonderful millennial demographic in Stamford,” says Goldstein.
She notes 68 percent of the concert goers at Alive@Five are millennials, so they serve as the target audience for the entertainment.
Carlos Dominguez, a recent UConn graduate and Norwalk resident, says Stamford has a great atmosphere for people his age.
“Most UConn kids end up working down here, I always see friends from there when I’m here. It’s great,” he said.
“It’s inexpensive and easy to get friends to come here,” says Amanda Sanchioni of Norwalk. “[Stamford] has so much life. It’s close to home, but there’s still a hip city feel.”
For Brighid DeAngelis of Fairfield, it was her first time attending Alive@Five and visiting Stamford.
“[I have] friends come here all the time and are from this area so I decided to give it a try,” she said.
Alive@5 continues Thursday, July 28 through Aug. 11 at Columbus Park on Main Street in Stamford. Admission is cash only: $10 before 6 p.m., $15 afterward. Must be 21 or over to enter. Information: stamford-downtown.com. The remaining concert series has scheduled Eric Hutchinson July 28, Easton Corbin Aug. 4 and CeeLo Green Aug. 11.
