Mike Monaghan Jazz Quintet at MAC this Saturday and Beantown Swing Orchestra swings on Sunday
Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series (MAC) welcomes two MAC newcomers this weekend, the Mike Monaghan Jazz Quintet on Saturday evening followed by the Beantown Swing Orchestra on Sunday afternoon. Don’t miss out as the 29th season continues with 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 Saturday evening. If you like mainstream jazz and the Great American Songbook, you will love the Mike Monaghan Jazz Quintet. A freelance musician for more than 40 years, Mike Monaghan, is a jazz player, a woodwind specialist, and a saxophone soloist in both the jazz and classical worlds. He is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, with graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts and the Eastman School of Music.
Monaghan’s work includes numerous performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and he has been a regular player and soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra for almost 40 years. Joining him at MAC will be Marshall Wood on bass, Ben Cook on piano, Gary Johnson on drums, and John Wilkins on guitar.
Come back on Sunday afternoon for the 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra specializing in the performance and education of big band swing, one of the most popular and sophisticated forms of American music ever created.
The combination of vintage acoustic instruments with superior musicianship produces the distinct big band sound recognized by generations worldwide. With a rotating roster of young and talented musicians capable of mastering and perpetuating this great music, the band is well on its way to achieving its mission of bringing swing back into the mainstream for all to enjoy.
The MAC Summer Concert Series continues with MAC favorites The Don Campbell Band, guitarist Bobby Keyes, and jazz vocalist Donna Byrne, and MAC newcomer The Deep Blue C.
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 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 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.
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.
