Most towns in Connecticut host fun community events from time to time to get residents up and out of the house and maybe even dancing in the streets or on the green.

In New Haven, this summer was no exception with its series of outdoor music concerts on the Green. When I looked at the advertised lineup of talent coming to the Green, which kicked off with singer, actor Kenny Rogers, I could hardly wait to see and hear The Temptations, a '60s group from the Motor City — Detroit. One of the original Motown groups, I loved their hit, "Papa was a Rolling Stone." To me, it never gets old. And who hasn't heard, "My Girl" and "Get Ready?"

This group draws large crowds with its smooth contemporary American pop-style. I shouldn't have been surprised when my family and I arrived and had a hard time finding a place to sit.

I thought I was never going to get close to the stage, where my niece was waiting for me, because the audience was so jammed packed. As it turned out, I could only see them close up with my binoculars.

My daughter and granddaughter, Tisha, were with us and were both surprised at all the young people at the concert. Tisha was happy she came with me to hear some "old school music," as she called it.

The following weekend my husband and I went to see Kool & The Gang and I was determined to get close enough to see everything. Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law and their friends, I did. The group's final song of the evening, "Celebration," which

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was a breakout hit in the late '70s, had everyone dancing. Free concerts are something wonderful for music lovers. Just looking at the many people who came together from all parts of Connecticut and surrounding states enjoying music made this event really nice. Whether you are young or old, you can come and have a good time. For these outdoor concerts, all you need to do is bring a chair, drinks and snacks and sit back and listen to the music. If you don't want to bring anything, that's OK, too. There are vendors ready to serve you hot food and cold drinks. Some people just bring a blanket.

I really appreciate music of all kinds — jazz, country, R& B . . . I even like Mozart. I asked a few people in the crowds, who had been to the same two concerts I had gone to, which group they enjoyed the most. Some said, "The Temptations" while others said, "Kool & The Gang." For me, there was no contest.

I enjoyed them both. Now, I wonder who's coming next year? Marva Hamilton is the librarian at the Connecticut Post. She can be reached at mhamilton@ctpost.com.