The Sommers Rosenthal Family Band will perform at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6 in a free outdoor concert at the Levitt Pavilion for Performing Arts in downtown Westport.
— an announcement from the Levitt Pavilion
Phil Rosenthal is a nationally renowned singer, songwriter, recording artist and record producer. For many years the lead singer and guitarist in the popular bluegrass group The Seldom Scene, he is also highly respected for his instrumental skills on banjo and mandolin.
A native of Guilford, Phil began his professional career in the 1970s as mandolin player and singer in the New England-based bluegrass bands Apple Country and Old Dog.
Photo from the Levitt Pavilion
The Sommers Rosenthal Family Band
In 1977, he joined The Seldom Scene, traveling widely with the group throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan, including appearances at the Grand Old Opry and the White House.
He recorded seven albums with the band, receiving a Grammy nomination for his work on Scene 20 . In 1986, he left the group in order to run American Melody, a recording company founded with wife Beth Sommers, devoted to producing bluegrass and folk music for children and families.
The label’s 22 releases thus far feature Phil and a variety of other noted performers, and have won many awards from the Parents’ Choice Foundation, the American Library Association, and other organizations.
Phil is also a successful songwriter whose original compositions have been recorded by many artists including Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. In 1994, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts appointed him official Connecticut State Troubadour.
Phil performs currently as a soloist, and in the trio The Rosenthals with his daughter Naomi Sommers and son Daniel Rosenthal
About Levitt Pavilion’s Concerts
The Levitt Pavilion offers about 50 outdoor concerts each summer at its outdoor venue along the Saugatuck River in downtown Westport.
Here’s a note from the Levitt describing some of their rules:
—The lawn and the ice cream concession are open to the public one hour before show-time.
—Facility is closed to public during load-in and sound-check.
—Picnics are welcome.
—The Levitt Pavilion and its perimeter is a non-smoking area.
—Pets are not allowed.
In case of inclement weather, check the Levitt website or call our concert hotline (203-221-2153) at or after 4:30 p.m. on the day of the show for a location status update. While we have a nearby rain location for free shows, we always do our best to stay outside shower or shine!
See also: Tips for enjoying your visit to the Levitt Pavilion