Musicfest keeps the beat to dancing in the street

MILFORD — From jazz standards to classical compositions, Indie rock anthems to folk ballads, classic blues songs to African drumming circles, the streets of Milford came alive last weekend with the sound of music-making everywhere.
The crowd was equally eclectic — out-of-towners mingled with locals, flamboyant characters with the reserved, and musicians with their appreciative listeners, to the pleasure of all.
The event was organized by the Milford Presents with the indefatigable Amy Eisenberg at the helm. Many businesses sponsored musicians to perform on their premises, free to anyone looking for a great tune to life their spirits.
The festival brings repeat visitors to town. The Courier spoke with some who came from Connecticut and Philadelphia especially to be there. Historic downtown Milford’s streets turned busy in the early afternoon on Saturday, as the festival heated up. Visitors tucked into cuisine offered by local establishments. A large yard sale at the Presbyterian Church was doing brisk business.
Dimmick’s Inn, at the corner of Broad and West Harford Streets, held its annual "Brooklynfest" at the same time. The whole section of Broad Street leading to Sawkill Avenue was closed, with several bands performing there in succession under a large marquee. Listeners danced in the street.
Walking along Broad and West Harford Streets, visitors encountered bands playing at The Enchanted Gifts shop, Fretta’s, and the old schoolyard. They could make their own music by joining a drum circle at The Jean Murphy Studio.
Indie tunes at The Dairy Bar were drawing crowds. Across the street, the Lacquer Nail Bar served cocktails and baked goods as musicians played on their porch. Back on Broad Street, the Jive Bar’s garage was filled with people drinking and rocking out. Traditional Irish music enlivened the Golden Fish Gallery.
The Patisserie Fauchere featured an acoustic guitarist on its porch and the Waterwheel a classical guitarist. Further down West Harford, in front of Ambiance Fine Furniture & Gifts, crowds gathered in the late afternoon to hear a blues, R&B and Americana band. The Hotel Fauchere engaged a young classical pianist to play indoors.
The partying continued until wee hours at least in two locations, The Jive Bar and Dimmick’s Inn, according to the schedule.
The event brought thousands of people to Milford every year who heed the summertime call by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas:

Calling out around the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the street.
They're dancing in Chicago
Down in New Orleans
Up in New York City...

And in downtown Milford too!