Utica’s Weekend Unwind to return to downtown with some new jams

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica’s Weekend Unwind Friday night concert series will be returning to downtown Utica starting June 6.

Weekend Unwind features a variety of bands playing some good tunes outside.

The event includes free music every Friday through Sept. 5 in downtown Utica’s Memorial Park.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said residents and neighbors have grown to love the Weekend Unwind summer music series in Memorial Park.

“We begin receiving calls at City Hall in February from people inquiring when the music will start and what bands will be performing. Former Mayor and current Councilman Thom Dionne started Weekend Unwind, and I’m very happy to be able to continue bringing free music to beautiful Memorial Park in Downtown Utica every Friday night, all summer long,” he said.

He said this year will have the most bands performing at Weekend Unwind for the first time since he’s  been the mayor.

“In total we have six new bands and eight bands returning from previous years. The bands performing for the first time at Weekend Unwind include GlenBrooke and the Wild Weeds, The Klik, Raputa, Rock Mob, Circle of Fifths, and Nathan Grant,” Calandrino said.

The schedule of each band and what genre of music they perform is listed on the city of Utica website and will be posted on social media before each performance.

Dionne said that when the city decided to bring live entertainment to downtown Utica, they concentrated on making sure that it was a regular weekly event that neighbors and friends could look forward to throughout the week.

“It’s been wildly successful. Every week as the crowds grow in numbers, top-quality bands of various genres bring a lively feel to our little downtown. It’s really been a fantastic draw for the city. I tell people, ‘Bring your cooler, your lawn chair and your favorite people,’” he said.

Admission is free. The park is adjacent to the Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road.