When the free George Flynn Classical Concerts Series returns to Clinton to kick off its 21st season on Sunday, Aug. 19, it will make the most of a summer vibe (with the promise of air-conditioned comfort) with a performance by the jazz band The Hot Sardines.

Elaine Godowsky, the president of the concert series, said she was drawn to the group first because of its name, and after she did some research into the band, she decided the group put on a fun performance.

“I thought they were perfect for a summer concert,” Godowsky said.

The Hot Sardines is described in a press release as performing jazz music that “effortlessly channel New York speakeasies, Parisian cabarets, and New Orleans jazz halls.” The group, which is based in New York, has performed at the Newport Jazz Festival and in New York City venues including Joe’s Pub and the Bowery Ballroom, and has released two albums.

“I think it will be a very popular concert,” said Godowsky, who noted that especially for this August concert, she was happy to be hosting concerts in the new Morgan School due to the air conditioning.

The concert series hopes to attract about 700 people to the concert.

George Flynn Classical Concerts Series’ 21st season will run from August 2018 to June 2019. In addition to the Hot Sardines, the series will include concerts by Lorena Garay & Friends on Sunday, Sept. 23, New Haven Symphony Orchestra with chorus performing Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana on Nov. 4, the U.S. Coast Guard Woodwind Quintet on Dec. 9, The Haven String Quartet on April 7, 2019, the Russian Renaissance on May 19, 2019, and a father and son duo of Richard Stoltzman and Peter John Stoltzman on June 9, 2019.

Godowsky said the 21st season will feature everything from jazz music to classical music to popular music.

“We’re excited to work with everyone,” Godowsky said. “It will be an eclectic season.”

In June, the series wrapped up its 20th season, which Godowsky said was very succesful.

“Every single concert was jam-packed,” Godowsky said.

When the series first began, Godowsky said she had always hoped the series would be as successful as it has become.

“We keep giving a variety of concerts. Music is music and we all have a connection,” said Godowsky.

All the concerts in the series are provided for free thanks to a trust established by the late Clinton resident George Flynn in 1997.

According to georgeflynnclassicalconcerts.com, “The George S. Flynn Concerts are made possible by a trust fund Mr. Flynn established in his will. It was his great desire to provide ‘classical music concerts for the benefit, education, and pleasure of the inhabitants of the town of Clinton.’ It is in his honor and to his memory that we dedicate these concerts.”

The Hot Sardines

The Hot Sardines kicks off the George Flynn Classical Concerts Series’ 21st season on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. in the Morgan School Auditorium at 71 Killingworth Turnpike. Free tickets can be received by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to George Flynn Classical Concerts, P.O. Box 473, Clinton, CT 06413 or calling 860-669-1208.