“We got lucky.” That’s what everyone was saying as the inaugural Fairfield Hills Music Festival kicked off on May 17.

Just 30 minutes earlier anxious voices under the entrance tent chanted, “It’ll stop, It’ll stop,” as clouds threatened overhead. But in the end, the weather held out, the vibes were chill, bands rocked, and Newtown came alive for the first annual Fairfield Hills Music Festival.

The idea of a music festival took root during a late-night conversation Dina and Dave Sabia had with friends, following the Friday night concert that traditionally opens the annual Newtown Arts Festival. Dina, who serves on the board of Kevin’s Community Center (KCC), brought the idea of a music festival to celebrate and give back to the community that has supported KCC for so many years to her fellow board members.

The board enthusiastically embraced the vision, and the festival was born not just as a celebration of music and community, but also as the perfect moment to introduce a meaningful new initiative, Kevin’s Coffee Corner, a welcoming cafe space that will be staffed by young adults with special needs from our community.

The earnest planning began in October 2023. The couple assembled a team of Newtowners, including musicians, a graphic designer, and a set designer, among other talented local residents, and set to work over the next year and a half putting all of the pieces together in hopes of having a great local event to bring the Newtown and surrounding communities closer in support of Kevin’s Community Center.

A few weeks ago the festival kicked off just after a deluge of rain stopped with an opening set on the second stage by the eclectic bluegrass/rock band the Dirty Door Knockers followed by the more traditional, but equally energetic Max Wareham and the National Bluegrass Team.

Following the Door Knockers on the second stage were Jules Kessler & Vertigo, a high school rock band with talent beyond their years; Walker Russell Band featuring the uber-talented Russell on guitar and vocals; Shawn Taylor, a local and regional roots/americana act; as well as The Bargain, and The Meadows Brothers, both soulful and exciting acoustic acts.

Following Max Wareham on the main stage were Mile Marker Zero with an intricate set of progressive rock, Jake Kulak & the Modern Vandals with a mix of flawlessly executed covers and originals, the uplifting and engaging Adam Ezra Group, and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams with their eclectic style and hopeful message.

The show closed with the funk explosion that is Deep Banana Blackout, and concertgoers were on their feet dancing until the lights went out.

To everyone who came out to the festival and made it the incredible success it was, Thank You. Your presence, energy, and enthusiasm brought this event to life, and we truly couldn’t have done it without you. A special thank you to the Town of Newtown, and especially Parks and Recreation, for your support in helping. We’re also grateful to our sponsors, and to the anonymous town resident whose generosity helped some amazing local businesses promote themselves through the festival.

We’re already excited to start planning next year’s festival. Until then, thank you for being part of something special in our quaint little town.

Andy Corson is a Sandy Hook resident, a music enthusiast, and one of the co-founders of Fairfield Hills Music Festival.