People can listen to music while sitting under the stars on a moonlit evening, or lounging on a blanket on a Sunday afternoon during the 20th season of the Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series.
The series kicked off Saturday, July 7 with "Boston's First Lady of Jazz" Rebecca Parris. Next up: Grace Kelly Jazz on Saturday, July 14.
"For those who haven't already heard of her, Grace Kelly is fast becoming one of the young bright stars of the jazz world. Jazz at Lincoln Center artistic director and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis was so impressed with Kelly's three-night stand as guest of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra that he invited her to join the ensemble at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater in Washington, DC for Barack Obama's Inauguration Celebration," the center said in a release.
Maudslay Arts Center is at 95 Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport. Its performance schedule for this non-profit series is billed as offering "something for everyone: award-winning country with Don Campbell, foot-stompin' New Orleans jazz with the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, the bluegrass music of The Spinney Brothers, the chutzpah of the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra, and much more."
Summer schedule
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. and include: Grace Kelly Jazz on July 14, the Don Campbell Band on July 21, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band on July 28, Shirim Klezmer Orchestra on Aug. 11, the Mystix on Aug. 18, and the Spinney Brothers on Aug. 25.
Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: the Shaw Brothers on July 8, the Walker Creek Band on July 15, the 60s Invasion on July 22, Celtic Sojourn with the Bracken Dance Studio on Aug. 12, Occidental Gypsy Jazz Quintet on Aug. 19, and the Paul Broadnax Quintet on Aug. 26.
The concerts are held rain or shine, moving inside to the MAC Concert Barn when weather dictates. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner. Desserts, such as seasonal cobblers, brownies and Hodgie's ice cream, and beverages may be purchased during intermission, all served by MAC volunteers.
Tickets
On Saturdays, patio seating (tables and chairs) is $20, while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $18. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $10 with open seating on the patio and lawn. Children 12 and under are free.
To purchase tickets online (major credit cards accepted), or for further information about the performers, visit the MAC website at maudslayartscenter.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the gate (cash or check only), or by calling to reserve at 978-499-0050.
