The Ridgefield Music and Arts Center's "Fridays After Five" program is in full swing for the summer.

A summer student concert series that takes place in front of the Town Hall, it started four years ago when Suzanne Brennan, owner of the late Shoe La La on Bailey Avenue, contacted RMAC President Linda Haines to ask if the group could provide live music when stores stayed open later on Summer Friday afternoons.

Although many stores decided not to stay open late on Fridays this summer, RMAC opted to continue the tradition of live music in front of Town Hall during the summer months to promote more performance opportunities for all levels of musicians.

The variety of music ranges from jazz to rock to classical to acoustic and even heavy metal. The event is free and RMAC t-shirts, CDs and stickers are for sale to help defer program costs.   

Besides building its open-air tradition RMAC, which was founded by Haines in 2006, is in the midst of its plans to create a permanent venue home where local middle and high school musicians and artists can display their work, perfect their craft and showcase their talent.

The Price family of Ridgefield Supply donated the town's original rail station, a historical building dating back to 1870, to RMAC.

The building currently sits on Ridgefield Supply's property, and the plan is to move the building next to the Boys & Girls Club on Governor Street when the group has enough money to complete the project. The town is leasing the land to RMAC for $1 a year, according to treasurer Allison Archambault.

The plan is to renovate the building—while preserving its character—once it is moved to add a stage, lighting and sound systems and removable seating to accommodate different types of performances and exhibitions. 

"There's a big need for the center and money out there that people are willing to put towards this project. Hopefully next year we will begin the process of land clearing to move the building," Archambault said.

RMAC  does not receive money from the town and relies on fundraising events to help run the program. The next fundraising event is November 4 and will be a "Bunco Bash."

For more information about upcoming events, how to donate or volunteer, go to the RMAC website.