Sing & Play with Bergin at La Grua Center
Sing & Play with Bergin at La Grua Center brings an hour of interactive children’s music to the Stonington Commons Green on Friday, August 21, at 6 p.m.
The free outdoor concert is designed especially for young children and their families, with Stonington singer-songwriter Bergin O’Malley leading an evening of original children’s songs, familiar classics, singing and movement.
UPDATE: La Grua Center’s current event listing identifies O’Malley’s musical partner for this performance as Sarah Bruno, rather than Melissa. The organization’s own calendar now calls the program Sing and Play with Bergin & Sarah.
Music Made for Kids to Join In
This isn’t intended to be a sit-still-and-listen children’s concert.
O’Malley’s Sing & Play Together music is built around participation, with songs touching on animals, colors, friendship, family and the small things that occupy a much bigger place in a child’s world. Families are encouraged to sing, move and play along during the performance. (La Grua Center)
O’Malley has released two Sing and Play Together children’s albums, with another children’s project in development. She has also released two solo albums, Blink and Somebody, reflecting a broader singer-songwriter career beyond her work for children.
Her connection to Stonington runs deeper than simply performing here. After spending summers in Stonington throughout her life, O’Malley made the town her year-round home in 2012. She’s also a photographer whose work has appeared in local exhibitions, including shows at La Grua Center.
For local families, some of the music may already be familiar. Her children’s songs have developed a following along the shoreline, including a Stonington song that has become a local favorite.
Bring a Blanket to the Green
The concert takes place outside on the Stonington Commons Green, directly adjacent to La Grua Center at 32 Water Street.
Families should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Seating on the lawn opens at 5 p.m., an hour before the concert begins. Chairs aren’t provided.
Families can also bring food and make an early-evening picnic out of the concert, although outside alcohol isn’t permitted. Dogs aren’t allowed on the Green, and restrooms will be available inside La Grua Center.
The performance runs approximately one hour without an intermission.
La Grua’s Summer Concerts on the Green
The performance is part of La Grua Center’s annual Concerts on the Green, a five-concert outdoor series running from May through September.
The 2026 series ranges widely in style, from jazz and international folk music to children’s songs. All five performances are free, with major support provided by the Stonington Village Improvement Association.
La Grua Center itself has been part of Stonington Borough since 2008. The nonprofit cultural center occupies a renovated building formerly associated with the Atwood Machine Company and was created through a gift from longtime Stonington resident Winifred La Grua in memory of her husband, Maurice. Today, the center presents concerts, exhibitions, lectures and other community programs throughout the year.
Parking and Weather
Free parking is available in the North Lot at Stonington Commons, but spaces are limited. La Grua warns that parking in Stonington Borough can be difficult during the summer and encourages Borough residents to walk when possible.
Because this is an outdoor concert, weather could affect the program. If conditions look unfavorable, La Grua plans to make a decision by noon on Friday and post an update on its website.
Event Details
Event: Concerts on the Green: Sing and Play with Bergin & Sarah
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Time: 6–7 p.m.
Seating Opens: 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: La Grua Center Commons Green
Address: 32 Water Street, Stonington, CT 06378
Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Families may bring food, but outside alcohol and dogs aren’t permitted on the Green.
