NRBQ to Headline Valley Music Festival

 Joe Shapiro, left, Banko's owner, Natalie Hamilton, right, co-founder of Banko's Music Foundation and Mayor Cassetti

ANSONIA - At a press conference on April 9, Banko’s Music announced its music lineup for their inaugural Rock The Summer event at Nolan Field. The July 28th festival will feature legendary regional group and recording artist NRBQ, with preceding act Deep Banana Blackout, a nine piece rhythm and funk bank.

The event will benefit the recently formed Banko’s Music Foundation to benefit music students throughout the valley. Admission is free with a suggested $10 donation. Food trucks will participate along with a beer and wine garden.

For more information, please visit: www.bankosfoundation.org/rock-the-summer

(Information shared from City of Ansonia's Facebook page)

Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities Open for Valley Music Fest

ANSONIA – Aim D'Amaro, owner of Adventures in Music Productions, LLC is happy to announce that A.I.M Productions will be working with the newly formed non-profit organization Banko's Music Foundation, Inc and the City of Ansonia to bring Rock the Summer- A Concert for Music Education to Ansonia's Nolan Field in the summer of 2018.

A.I.M Productions, out of Shelton, CT specializes in producing music events, most notably their daylong Spring festival, Locapalooza which takes place in Bethany, CT every May.

The Banko's Music Foundation, is a non-profit organization formed by Joe Shapiro, the owner of Banko's Music with a mission of advocating for public school music education and awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in music and music education.

In October of 2017, Banko's Music entered into an agreement with the City of Ansonia to co-present the formerly named Rock the Valley Concert. The Rock the Summer concert will take place on July 28, 2018 from 4pm - 10pm and will feature nationally touring bands providing the music. While this will be a free concert, there is a $5 suggested donation and all proceeds will go to Banko's Music Foundation so that they may continue their efforts. The music lineup is slated to be announced on April 9, 2018. 

In addition to live music on the stage, A.I.M Productions and Banko's are planning on having food trucks, a beer garden and a musical petting zoo, where adults and children will be able to play various instruments, at this event. 

Currently, both sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and applications for food trucks for this event are available.

For inquiries about sponsorship or food vending or more information about the event, please contact:

Aim D'Amaro

203-828-7706

aimproductions@outlook.com

 

To find out more about Banko’s Music Foundation, Inc, please visit their website:

https://bankosfoundation.org/

"Rock the Summer" Event Coming to Ansonia

Iconic Valley Music Store Revamped

 

 

  

ANSONIA - The official ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening of Ansonia's Banko's Music took place on Thursday, August 3, as more than 50 folks packed the late afternoon ceremony.

 

Those in attendance included Mayor David Cassetti, state Rep. Linda Gentile, Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, former Banko’s owner Joe Salvati, new owner Joe Shapiro, Second Ward Aldermen Lorie Vaccaro, Fifth Ward Alderman Joe Jaumann, and Seventh Ward Alderman Frank DeLibero.

The popular music destination business in downtown Ansonia dates back to 1955.

Shapiro recently bought the business, which has undergone a top-to-bottom renovation and façade makeover.

The public grand  re-opening celebration is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. August. 5, featuring free food, free giveaways, live music and more.



(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall) 

Iconic Valley Music Store to Hold Grand Re-Opening

ANSONIA - Banko's Music invites the community to an official ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday from 5-7 p.m. (with an official cutting at 5:30 p.m.) and also to its Grand Re-Opening Celebration Saturday from noon-5 p.m. 

Banko's Music, 360 E. Main St., is under new ownership. All are cordially invited to join in the festivities.

Invited guests are Mayor David S. Cassetti and Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell. Wine and beer will be served and there will be live music.

The Saturday Grand Re-Opening Celebration will have a free all-day cookout with non-alcoholic refreshments served, free giveaways, and live music.

Banko's Music has been in continued operation and at the same location for over 60 years. The original owner, Frank Banko, opened the store in 1955. It was then passed on to Joe and Sherry Salvati in 2001. 

Now the legacy of Banko's has been handed over to new owner Joe Shapiro.

He said, "As a loyal customer of the store for many years, I jumped at the opportunity to buy Banko's when I heard the previous owners were selling. I am grateful Joe and Sherry Salvati have agreed to stay on with us as employees. Going forward, I foresee Banko's Music reclaiming its past and rightful place as the center of the musical community in the Valley and beyond."

Banko's has recently been restored, renovated, and expanded. 

Banko's is committed to serving the musical needs of the Greater Valley area and beyond while providing a community-oriented environment. 

For more information visit www.Bankos.Rocks or contact natalie@bankos.rocks.

(This is a press release from Banko's)

Iconic Valley Music Store Unveils New Sign

ANSONIA - The renovation of Banko’s Music is nearly complete with the addition of its new storefront sign, replacing the 70’s “feeling groovy” signage predecessor.

New owner Joe Shapiro of Shelton acquired, last year, the 1955 founded Ansonia landmark and has since completely renovated the interior retail space, exterior façade and second floor offices which also double as weekly open jam sessions and for music lessons.

Banko’s is located on 360 East Main Street.

They are planning a Grand Opening event later this summer.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)