NORWICH – The sounds of local musicians resounding from the stage in East Park are expected to draw in hundreds of residents all summer long as the City of Norwich and the Norwich Business Improvement District sponsor a series of summertime performances.

The annual concert series begins with performances by the Norwich City Band. For years, the city band has provided free Friday night shows for those looking for a relaxing evening on the park greens. The band takes center stage for the first time this year, rain or shine, at 7 p.m., July 6. Subsequent performances will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3; a final performance will be shared with the eclectic jazz and swing styles of the Red Raville Big Band Sounds at 7 p.m. on Aug. 10.

Not to leave the stage empty too long, the BID will kick-off its yearly “Lunchtime Live!” series from noon to 1 p.m., every Wednesday, beginning with local blues guitarist Brian Golden on July 18.

Following performances include the easy listening styles of Joe Lombardi on July 25; husband and wife vocal duo Aaron and Claudia Karpala on Aug. 1; guitarists and local favorite Ron Palmer on Aug. 8; contemporary vocalist Connie Silverbrand on Aug. 15; and the classic plus original songs performed by Pamme Swan on Aug. 29.

A lunchtime concert for Aug. 22 has yet to be determined.

This year, the BID Lunchtime Live! performances are in collaboration with the Chenango County Farmer’s Market, which fills East Park with local vendors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

“It’s a good time to enjoy some great free performances and do some of your shopping too,” BID Director Roz DeRensis said, noting that this year marks the official inauguration of the newly constructed East Park stage into the summertime concert series.

“Now that the parks are completed, we have a real picturesque venue for musicians to play,” she said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to support local musicians and local vendors. We encourage everyone to grab a bag lunch and join us.”

Both the “Lunchtime Live!” series and appearances by the Norwich City Band are made possible with the public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Chenango County Council of the Arts.