Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series (MAC) favorites vocalist Amanda Carr and New Black Eagle Jazz Band open the 29 th season, followed by a full line-up of Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon concerts featuring something for every musical taste from Big Band to jazz, from opera to country to the Great American Songbook.
Come to Maudslay on Saturday night to hear multi-styled vocalist/pianist Amanda Carr. An international recording and performing artist, she is a two-time Boston Music Awards nominee. Carr has received critical acclaim for her fresh jazz and big band interpretations of the Great American Songbook. The Wall Street Journal hailed her, “…a true jazz singer in a time of wannabes.” The Black Eagles, as they are known to their fans, have been a fixture on the international jazz scene since 1971, bringing the sounds of traditional New Orleans Jazz to audiences all over the world.
Also on the schedule this summer are MAC favorites The Don Campbell Band, Hillyer Festival Orchestra, guitarist Bobby Keyes, and jazz vocalist Donna Byrne. New to the line-up this season are The Deep Blue C, Alex Minasian Jazz Quartet, Mike Monaghan Jazz Quintet, and Beantown Swing Orchestra.
Whether you’re sitting under the stars on a moonlit evening or lounging on a blanket on a Sunday afternoon, the Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure. “With your help, we continue to make upgrades and improvements and as a result, there is not a bad place to sit at Maudslay,” MAC Executive Director Nicholas C. Costello said. “On the lawn, patio, or inside the concert venue, the acoustics are wonderful.”
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include: Amanda Carr on July 9, Alex Minasian Jazz Quartet on July 16, Mike Monaghan Jazz Quintet on July 23, The Don Campbell Band on July 30, and The Deep Blue C on Aug. 13. Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: New Black Eagle Jazz Band on July 10, Hillyer Festival Orchestra on July 17, Beantown Swing Orchestra on July 24, Bobby Keyes on Aug. 7, and Donna Byrne on Aug. 14.
Maudslay Arts Center is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Maudslay State Park, Newburyport MA 01950. The concerts are held rain or shine, moving to the indoor performance hall adjacent to the patio when weather dictates. “There’s never a ‘rain out’ at Maudslay Arts Center,” Costello said. “We just go inside.” All current COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, which can be casual or as elaborate as a gourmet meal with tablecloth and flowers, whatever suits the patron’s fancy. Delicious desserts and cold beverages may be purchased during intermission, all served by dedicated MAC volunteers, who continue to make this non-profit series happen.
Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Patio seating (tables and chairs) is $30. Lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $25. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $20 with open seating on the patio and lawn. Tables and chairs are provided on the patio. Special group rates may be arranged by calling 978-499-0050. Children 12 and under are free.
“Summer is just a brief season here in New England,” Costello said, “so come out and enjoy wonderful music at affordable prices in a spectacular natural setting.” For the complete summer schedule, to purchase tickets online, or for further information about the performers, visit the MAC website at www.maudslayartscenter.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the gate (check or cash only) or by calling (978) 499-0050. There is no reserved seating. Gift certificates are available.
The series is supported by The Newburyport Bank, dedicated MAC volunteers and patrons, and the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Saturday evening performances are sponsored by The Newburyport Bank. Additional support for the Hillyer Festival Orchestra concert was provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and its local chapters in Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Amesbury, Merrimac, and Salisbury.
