By Rachel Louchen
There's the Big One — Tanglewood — looming large over our summer afternoons and evenings of music. But there are also dozens of outdoor concerts taking place throughout our region this summer, with many cities and towns offering a wide variety of musical genres. It might be pure Americana played in the gazebo on the town square or jazz on the lawn at an historic property, but there's one thing all these series have in common: they're set against an outdoor backdrop made for music. Most of these events are free and suited for the whole family, so all you need is a chair or blanket and you're ready to enjoy the sounds of summer. Schedules may change and weather may affect performances, so it's best to check before you head out. Berkshire CountyBascom Lodge Music SeriesSaturdays, Sundays & Mondays Dates and times vary. Featuring a diverse mix of musical genres, including jazz, blues and rock and roll. Atop Mount Greylock Adams, MA David Grover & Grover's Gang Saturdays in July & August at 10 a.m. David Grover will perform songs that will delight children of all ages. Main Street (behind Town Hall), Great Barrington, MA Great Barrington Summer BandstandFridays at 5:30 p.m. Now – September 19 Local bands perform jazz, country, folk and soul. Main Street (behind Town Hall), Great Barrington, MA
Photo by John Seakwood.
Music After Hours at The MountFridays & Saturday from 5-8 p.m. July 4 -- August 30 Traditional jazz from local and visiting artists. The Mount Terrace, 2 Plunket Street, Lenox, MA Concerts in Lilac ParkWednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Now – August 27 Blues, country, jazz, big band and Boston University Tanglewood Institute Students Lilac Park, Main Street, Lenox, MA
Concerts at Windsor LakeWednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Now – August 20 A mix of funk and bass-heavy rock-and-roll music. Bring your dancing shoes. Intersection of Bradley Street and Kemp Avenue, North Adams, MA Music at the MansionBi-weekly on Fridays at 6 p.m. Classic rock, 60's folk and tunes geared towards children will be performed on the lawn. North Adams Library 74 Church Street, North Adams, MA Party in the ParkLive music, food vendors and a classic car display Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. July 10 – August 28 Noel Field, Route 8, North Adams, MA
Live on the LakeWednesdays from 6-8 p.m. July 9 – August 27 Kicks off with the Who tribute band, Who Are You, and continues with local rockin' acts for the duration of series. Burbank Park at Onota Lake, Lakeway Drive, Pittsfield, MA Outdoor Summer Concerts at The ClarkTuesdays at 6 p.m. July 8 – August 26 Jazz, blues, folk, rock and high-energy violin are just a few of the styles that'll be performed. The Clark Art Institute, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA Litchfield County
Photo by Joe Mabel.
Concert Series on the GreenWednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Now – July 30 Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. August 6 – 27 Jazz and blues featuring many local performers. 159 West Street, Litchfield, CT Woodbridge Summer Concert SeriesTuesdays from 6-8 p.m. July 1 – 29 Early rock and roll, dance band, Motown, swing, soul and a Creedance Clearwater Revival/John Fogerty Tribute Band Gazebo on the Green 4 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge, CT
Coe Park Summer Concert SeriesTuesdays and Fridays from 7-9 p.m. Now – August 31 Classic rock, big band, Americana, country, contemporary classics, R&B and the Torrington Civic Symphony Coe Memorial Park Civic Center, 101 Litchfield Street, Torrington, CT Columbia CountyGreenport Music at SunsetFridays at 7 p.m. Now – August 29 Classic rock and country, plus Beatles and Patsy Cline cover bands Greenport Town Park, 405 Joslen Boulevard, Hudson, NY Dutchess CountyMusic In The ParksWednesdays at 7 p.m. Now – July 30 August 6 & 13 at 6:30 p.m. Big band, jazz, classic rock and the West Point Military Academy Band Vanderbilt and Mills Mansions 75 Mills Mansion Drive (off Old Post Road), Staatsburg, NY 119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park, NY Music At The LakeSundays at 4 p.m. July 13, August 3 and August 17 Swing, blues, R&B and rock plus food Lions Club Pavillion Lake Drive, Pine Plains, NY
