This year Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) will celebrate its Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary season with a wonderful line-up of concerts and making his MAC debut Jonathan Edwards, the American singer-songwriter and musician best known for his 1971 hit single “Sunshine.”
The popular Bobby Keyes Trio will open the MAC Summer Concert Series on Saturday, July 8, ushering in a new season with something for every musical taste from classical to jazz, from opera to bluegrass, from country to the Great American Songbook.
Bobby Keyes is a guitarist whose career spans from American Roots to Pop Music, writing and performing with roots artists like Jerry Lee Lewis to pop artist Robin Thicke, but, it is with his Trio that Keyes composes and performs the music which he is most passionate about.
The Bobby Keyes Trio defines our American musical heritage by blending rhythm and blues, country, jazz, rock, pop and swing. Keyes’ guitar playing is inspired and his sound is clean and refreshing. Along with Drummer Marty Richards and Bassist Jesse Williams, the Bobby Keyes Trio will delight audiences on Saturday evening.
Come back Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. for jazz vocalist Donna Byrne. Byrne can take her listeners on a journey down new musical avenues by using a wide range of deep, soulful vocal talents and a true artist’s feel for interpretation and improvisation.
Experimenting with her emotions and playing her versatile voice like an instrument, Byrne’s performances are always an example of a true seasoned professional. She is a perfect mix of talent and grace.
The celebration will continue with MAC favorites Rebecca Parris, the Hillyer Festival Orchestra (opera), and Amanda Carr, to name just a few, and culminate in A Salute to Veterans with singer-songwriter Don Campbell on Sunday, Aug. 27.
MAC is a popular cultural and entertainment destination that has served tens of thousands of patrons since its founding 25 years ago in 1992. 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.
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include: The Bobby Keyes Trio on July 8, Hillyer Festival Orchestra on July 15, The Don Campbell Band on July 22, Amanda Carr on July 29, Rebecca Parris on Aug. 12, and Jonathan Edwards on Aug. 19.
Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: Donna Byrne on July 9, Hal McIntyre Big Band on July 16, Paul Broadnax & Friends on July 23, Liz Frame and the Kickers on Aug. 13, Shirim Klezmer Orchestra on Aug. 20, and A Salute to Veterans with Don Campbell on Aug. 27.
Maudslay Arts Center is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. The concerts are held rain or shine, moving to the indoor performance hall adjacent to the patio when weather dictates.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, which can be casual or as elaborate as a gourmet meal with tablecloth and flowers and whatever suits the patron’s fancy. Delicious desserts such as seasonal cobblers, brownies, and Hodgie’s ice cream, cold beverages, and Peet’s House Blend Coffee 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 $28 or four patio tickets for $100, while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $23. Children 12 and under are free.
The ticket prices for the special Jonathan Edwards concert on Saturday, Aug. 12, are $30 for patio and $25 for lawn. The “four patio tickets for $100” deal is not available for this concert.
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. 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 or by calling (978) 499-0050. There is no reserved seating. Gift certificates also are available.
The series is supported by The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, dedicated MAC volunteers and patrons, and the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Saturday evening performances are entirely underwritten by The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank.