DANBURY, CONN. — Ives Concert Park, on the Westside campus of Western Connecticut State University, celebrated its 40th year in operation in 2014, and like a few 40-year-olds, the venue has found itself in need of some cosmetic enhancements to maintain its youthful vigor. As the result of an ongoing bidding process, the roof of the famed gazebo at the outdoor concert facility will be replaced this season, along with the roof of the adjacent offices and artist green room.

Because these improvements have been anticipated since last year, it has been challenging for staff to schedule performances until the final work schedule was ironed out last week. While a “quiet” June and most of July at Ives is disappointing, the enhancements needed to be done and could not have been scheduled until contractors were confirmed and the weather made it possible.

Once the repairs are completed, the Ives will offer a variety of entertainment, music and other festivals for the remainder of the summer and into early autumn. Among them:

July 10, 11, 12, 18, 19 – “The Cat in the Hat” at the MainStage Theatre in the WCSU Visual and Performing Arts Center

July 18 – WXCI presents “Unplugged Acoustic Roots”

July 25 – WXCI presents “Indie Under the Stars”

July 31 – Connecticut Ballet Summer Dance Caravan

Aug. 1 – WXCI & No Gimmick Records present “Urban Music Fest”

Aug. 8 – Fourth Annual Westside Reggae Festival

Aug. 9 – Ecuadorian Festival

Aug. 15 – Fab 4 Beatles Music Festival

Aug. 29-30 – Food Truck Fest

Sept. 7 – Latin Music Festival

Sept. 12 – CT on Tap

Sept. 18-20 – Irish Festival

Sept. 26-27 – Farm Fest

Oct. 10 – Harvest Jam

Information about these and future events can be found on the Ives Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ivesconcertpark.

Named for famed local composer Charles Edward Ives, the Ives Concert Park is a nonprofit venue that pays tribute to its storied roots in classical music while acknowledging the ongoing evolution of the art of live performance. With entertainment that ranges from enlightening to awe-inspiring, the Ives reflects the diverse multicultural community in which it resides. The Ives relies on donations and sponsorships, with approximately 60 percent of total revenue derived from sponsorships, advertising, donations and grants. Anyone interested in supporting the Ives, contact Phyllis Cortese at pcortese@ivesconcertpark.com .

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.