Duke Robillard Band performing on August 5 in East Park, as the fifth installment of the NBT Bank Summer Concert Series. (Photo by Timothy C. Brown)

NORWICH — The Duke Robillard band drove in from Rhode Island Thursday, August 5, to perform in East Park in Norwich as part of the ongoing NBT Bank Summer Concert Series.

The band stepped in after the originally scheduled performance by Shinyribs had to be cancelled due to a COVID infection within the group.

“We are so excited to be able to bring in someone of Duke’s caliber on such short notice,” said Pat Dietrich, a Blues Association Board member. “It is great to have friends like him willing to go out of his way for us music fans.”

The last minute switch didn't hinder the crowd; For the fifth week in a row East Park was packed with music lovers. There are three shows left in the Summer Concert Series, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Tune in next week for Tuba Skinny, performing in East Park on August 12 at 7 p.m.

-Evening Sun Staff Writer Sarah Giglio