Great Music, Great Venues, Great Memories
By Bobby Hankinson and Christine R. Walsh

Summer and music…they go together like burgers and buns, Tom Cruise and strange behavior, flip-flops and cut-offs. Let summer go by without getting to at least one concert or music festival and you might as well be admitting that you have absolutely no sense of fun whatsoever. What better way is there to embrace the whole carefree summer vibe than throwing on your most cherished concert T-shirt, grabbing a group of your coolest friends, piling into the car (letting all your worries get sucked out through the sunroof), and heading out for what you know is going to be one hell of a memorable time! And go ahead, we give you permission, ditch your diet and indulge in some (OK, lots of!) fried food, throw your favorite CD into the car stereo and sing off-key at the top of your lungs, and don’t even give a second thought to staying out too late…much too late! With all the great music venues around, you’re going to need as much time as possible to soak up all the awesome summer sounds ~ and so that you can plan ahead and get in as much as possible, here’s the rundown of what’s coming our way in the gloriously warm months ahead.

LOWELL SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

Where: Concerts rock on throughout the summer months and into the early fall. The entertainment kicks off at 7:30pm. Gather with your best buds to cheer on some of your favorite singers at the Boarding House Park, located at 40 French Street in Lowell.

What: It’s a fun, time-tested, eclectic mix of musicians who entertain outdoors.

Why it’s hot this summer: The weather is heating up, the car windows are rolling down and outdoor concerts are the place to be. The Lowell Summer Music series promises a great artist line-up that is certain to please all musical palates. Bring some beach towels and grab some grass to enjoy nationally acclaimed musicians. Croon along with the folksy Indigo Girls on July 20th. Snap your fingers to Davy Jones from the Monkees on July 22nd (Yup, Jones was the Monkee all the girls crushed on back in the day!). And get romantic with your sweetie to the tunes of Bruce Hornsby on August 26th. Tickets are all general admission and range in price from $10 – $25. Get there early to beat the crowds and claim your patch of lawn. “This concert is not for profit,” reports John Marciano, director of the Lowell Summer Music Series, “and that’s what makes it so great. We put all of the money back into the show. And the venue is so intimate. It’s like having the Indigo Girls in your living room.”

How to join the fun: For more information, go to www.lowellsummermusic.org. Tickets can be purchased via the website or at the gate of the park on the days of the performance.

WORMTOWN MUSIC FEST

Where: In the woods of Greenfield, MA lurks a terrifically unique summer destination. Wormtown Fest begins on Saturday, September 15th at 10am. The beat goes on until early Monday morning, September 17th.

What: Three days of camping, over 40 acts from across New England and a chill environment make up the Wormtown Fest. The fun never ends at Wormtown. Local area bands keep you groovin’ during the day as they perform on two different stages. But when the sun goes down, the festivities continue in various cabins the Wormtown folks have set up.

Why it’s hot this summer: Pack up your car, your cooler and grab some extra swimsuits. We’re going camping with some of New England’s best jam bands! This musical event is a three day adventure out in nature. Only 2,000 tickets are sold (they go for $55 each), so you never have to worry about dueling with your neighbors for a clear view of the stage. “We started this concert in 1999,” says Mark Blanchette, owner of Wormtown Training Company. “We sell lots of vending products for concerts and we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to have our own.’”

How to join in the fun: Head to www.wormtown.com for more wormy information.

MASSACUSETTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Where: These free outdoor concerts will once again be held in two of Worcester’s lovely parks. The July 3rd concert will begin at 8pm at East Park (Christoforo Columbo Park) on Shrewsbury Street. The July 8th and July 15th concerts will begin at 7pm at Institute Park on Salisbury Street.

What: The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 56th year of free concerts. There’s no need to travel miles out of the city when the entertainment is so close, so wonderful and so inexpensive!

Why it’s hot this summer: The July 3rd concert not only kicks off the season of free concerts, it will also have an Independence Day theme. Myron Romanul will lead the concert, an upbeat mixture of American composers. Romanul intends to throw in some songs from current Broadway musicals for good measure. Finally, the evening will end with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and an explosion of fireworks. Alton Baggett will continue the magic on the following weekend with a variety of Disney favorites. Who doesn’t like humming “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast? Romanul will return for the final concert on July 15th. Bobbie Chase will be the announcer at these concerts as she has been since 1981. “The first time I announced, I was terrified,” Chase says. “I had worked in radio since 1962, but in radio you just speak into a microphone. I had never “done” humans before. When you’re announcing in front of a crowd, people can see you and they’ll know when you mess up. I was nervous, but after I got through my first concert, I was fine.”

How to join in the fun: Go to www.masymphony.org for more information.

TSONGAS ARENA

Where: This familiar concert/sports venue is located at 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Lowell. Concerts times vary, but all are during evening hours.

What: The Paul E. Tsongas Arena has been a longtime favorite concert venue for New Englanders and this summer will be no different. On June 17th, The Unholy Alliance Tour will bring its dark melodies to the indoor stage and feature acts including Slayer and Lamb of God. On June 28th, country cutie Trace Adkins will break the hearts of country lovers everywhere. Tickets range in price from $30 – $50.

Why it’s hot this summer: Guess what, there’s a new reason to love the Arena! The fine folks at Cobblestones Restaurant have joined with the Tsongas Arena to create “Grillin’ on the River.” It’s the perfect opportunity to turn a boring corporate party into the perfect outdoor picnic. Perfect for family reunions and big shin-digs, “Grillin’ on the River” is an outdoor BBQ where people can play games, enjoy the beautiful lawns right on the Merrimack River and eat as many delicious steak tips as possible. “’Grillin’ on the River’ is for people who want to have a good time, a great barbeque and not do the dishes,” says Scott Plath, owner of Cobblestones.

How to join in the fun: Want more beef about the Tsongas Arena or Cobblestones? Go to www.paultsongasarena.com or www.cobblestonesoflowell.com. Tickets for Tsongas Arena concerts are available through their box office at 617.931.2000 or through Ticketmaster.

INDIAN RANCH

Where: Time to dust off those cowboy boots and line dance all the way to Indian Ranch, located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA. The country-loving fun begins in mid-May and goes on until early October.

What: Were you one of those people who secretly loved learning how to line dance to “Achy Breaky Heart?” If so, Indian Ranch is for you. People come from all over New England to enjoy the camping and the concerts at this resort. The outdoor amphitheater has been drawing lovers of bluegrass and country music since 1946. Concerts usually take place on Sunday afternoons and tickets range from $25 – $40.

Why it’s hot this summer: There are some big names dancing across the summer stage of Indian Ranch. Indian Ranch welcomes the winner and the three finalists from the USA Network’s Nashville Star talent search. Expect to see Collin Raye on July 30), Changes in Latitude (a Jimmy Buffett tribute band) on August 15th, and Buddy Jewell (September 3rd). Departing from its country roots as it does periodically (and successfully ~ last year’s Dennis DeYoung/Styx show is a perfect example!), IR hosts Draw the Line, an Aerosmith tribute band, on Sept. 17.

Paige Cowden is both an employee of Indian Ranch and a huge fan. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s outside, and we sell ice cream and food and candy. There’s a beach on the lake,” Cowden says. “The crowds get really excited.”

How to join in the fun: Check out www.indianranch.com. Tickets can be purchased at the box office (508.943.3871), via the website, or at Strawberries locations.

HAMPTON BEACH CASINO

Where: The musical gem is located at 169 Ocean Blvd, Hampton Beach, NH.

What: This ballroom was built in 1899 as a casino ~ a place where people could gather, socialize, and dance. Today, it’s a popular stomping ground for nationally acclaimed musical acts. Tickets range in price from $20 – $60. Seated shows offer three tiers of seating. General admission shows offer seating on a first come, first served basis. There’s a snack shop at the Casino should you feel an intense craving for chicken wings or pizza.

Why it’s hot this summer: The Hampton Beach Casino is a stone’s throw from the refreshing waves (and miles of hotties) of Hampton Beach. Begin your day trip with some fun in the sun and then shake that bootie to musical acts like Collective Soul (June 4th), Susan Tedeschi (June 17th) or Ashlee Simpson, who will be joined by The Veronicas, on July 5th. “We’ve been doing this for 80 years,” reports the Casino’s Director of Marketing, Andy Herrick. “Hendrix played here. So did Joni Mitchell. We get these great artists because we’ve always given musicians good experiences when they’ve been here and they always say how great the crowds are.”

How to join in the fun: Need the 411 on this summer music venue? Go to www.casinoballroom.com. Tickets can be purchased through the website or at Ticketmaster by calling 603.868.7300

LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL

Where: The entertainment is generously spread throughout Downtown Lowell. The fun begins on Friday, July 28th at 7pm, continues on Saturday, July 29th, from noon until 10pm and ends on Sunday July 30th at 6pm.

What: The Folk Festival is a true artisan experience. Not only are there musicians performing on 6 different stages throughout downtown, but there are crafts stands and booths featuring delicious foods from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The festival has a great vibe to it, too, with people of all ages relaxing and enjoying the fresh air and good times.

Why it’s hot this summer: This year, the Festival will be featuring some terrific acts. Dany Paisley and the Southern Grass, a bluegrass band, will keep your toes tapping while The Hot 8 Brass Band, a New Orleans brass band, will add some sweet soul to the weekend. Inca Son, an ensemble group that performs the music and dance of the indigenous people of the Andean Mountains of South America, will be wowing crowds. And stop the presses ~ there will be an actual flea circus at the Festival. The Alberti Flea Circus, lead by Jim Alberti, promises to entertain the “big people” with their little acrobatic tricks! There will be one other addition to the Festival this year that’s certain to bring a smile to some faces: “We’re going to have a beer tent this year,” says Phil Lupsiewicz, one of the masterminds behind the Festival. “It’s going to be located in the parking lot of the Tsongas Arena.”

How to join the fun: Click over to www.lowellfolkfestival.org for more folksy information.

JVC Jazz Festival Newport, R.I.

Where: August 11 at the Newport Casino, International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.; August 12 and August 13 at Fort Adams State Park, Newport R.I.

What: The oldest outdoor jazz festival in the United States, the Newport Jazz Festival was started in 1954 by George Wein and Elaine Lorillard. JVC began sponsoring the event in 1984. Today, it is considered to be one of the most important events in jazz. Past performers include Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Tito Puente, Harry Connick, Jr., and kd lang.

Why it’s hot this summer: The 2006 festival features a wide array of artists ~ a conscious decision on the part of the planners. “I think the coolest thing about this year’s festival is how diverse it is,” said Dan Melnick, Artistic Director and Senior Producer of Festival Productions Inc. “We’ve really done a really good job at booking a really diverse, eclectic festival, which is what jazz is about these days.” This year, the fest opens up with the Newport debut of singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli (with his 16-piece band) making the Chairman of the Board proud with a show called “Dear Mr. Sinatra” (August 11 at the Newport Casino). Also kicking off the festivities will be singer Jane Monheit. Tickets for the first night will run you between $30 and $85. The rest of the weekend will be swingin’ in the sun at Fort Adams State Park with performances by Dave Brubeck, George Benson, Angelique Kidjo, and the New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Weekend tickets will set you back $65 if you get them in advance and (if available) $70 at the festival.

How to join the fun: Go to www.festivalproductions.net, or call Ticketweb at 1-866-468-7619.

BANK OF AMERICA PAVILLION

Where: 290 Northern Ave., Boston

What: The Bank of America Pavilion is the perfect place to take in the sweet sounds of summer. An open-air amphitheater right on the waterfront, the location keeps it cool no matter how hot it gets on stage. (Trust me, I shimmied my ass off to Pat Benatar last summer in 90-degree temperatures and did not pass out from heat exhaustion). There are plenty of vendors inside the gates ~ including a Pizzeria Regina’s, an Au Bon Pain, and Legal Seafood’s tasty chowdah. Plus, there’s no better reason to ride the Silver Line.

Why it’s hot this summer: Besides letting you rock out without being crammed inside, the Pavilion is offering up one helluva lineup this summer. From indie to pop to classics, this year’s calendar has something to please every palette. Hipsters will swoon for Radiohead (June 4 and June 5) and Top 40 fans will L-O, L-O, L-O, L-O-V-E Ashlee Simpson (July 11). Classic favorites will be there too, including Bonnie Raitt (July 2), Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band (July 19), and Chicago with Huey Lewis and the News (July 25 and July 26). Personally, I busted open my piggy bank for Blondie and the New Cars (June 7).

How to join the fun: Visit www.bankofamericapavilion.com, or call 508-931-2000.

TWEETER CENTER

Where: 885 South Main St., Mansfield

What: Declared No. 1 amphitheater in the world by Billboard Magazine four years running, the Tweeter Center is the premier concert space in the state. With a capacity for 19,900 screaming fans, it’s no wonder this place books some of the hottest tickets around. And this summer, it’s only gotten better. Recently, the venue has added a better sound system, four new state-of-the-art video screens, and a paved pedestrian walk. Never have I wanted to go to Mansfield so badly.

Why it’s hot this summer: All the biggest names in music are coming out to the Tweeter. Kicking off the season is Italian singer Andrea Bocelli in performance with the Boston Pops, June 16. Tom Petty takes the stage on June 21, and industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails make some noise on June 23. And that’s just the first week. “American Idol” Kelly Clarkson, the little lady who gave us the undisputed jam of 2005, “Since U Been Gone,” is in the house July 16 and The Black Crowes strut their stuff July 23. If you like your summers a little more rocking, headbangers can unite at Taking Back Sunday (June 24), Sounds of the Underground ~ featuring Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, and GWAR ~ (July 14), and OZZFest (August 1).

How to join the fun: More info on this summer’s Tweeter offerings is available at www.tweetercenter.com/boston and tickets can be purchased by calling 508-931-2000.

TANGLEWOOD

Where: 297 West St., Lenox

What: Tanglewood offers the beauty of the great outdoors with the classy touch of classical music all around. Home of the Tanglewood Music Center, where talented aspiring musicians can fine-tune their craft, there’s always music in the air. Summer performances take place in the Koussevitzky Music Shed, the Seiji Ozawa Hall, The Florence Gould Auditorium and The Theatre. The Boston Symphony Orchestra also calls Tanglewood its summer home. For those who don’t know an aria from an adagio, there are still ways to take in the beauty of the facilities ~ including phoning ahead and having your picnic packed for you. The Tanglewood Café will prepare a basket with two entrees, dessert, a cheese and fruit platter, bread, a bottle of House Wine and a bottle of spring water. These baskets can be pricey (around $90) but they’re worth the look of surprise on your date’s face. Or you can get out and enjoy the Berkshires at some of the neighboring tourist spots. Local attractions include the Berkshire Museum (with its life-sized stegosaurus sculpture), Hancock Shaker Village, and Kripalu ~ the largest center for yoga and holistic healing. No matter how you plan your trip out in the Berkshires, your time away from bustling city life will do wonders.

Why it’s hot this summer: Yo-Yo Ma is playing the score of “Memoirs of a Geisha” with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on August 12 as part of Film Night at Tanglewood. Also part of Film Night is Darth Vader himself (or at least his voice), as James Earl Jones provides narration over the theme to “Star Wars” as performed by the Pops Esplanade Orchestra. Fourth of July will sparkle with a performance from country crooner LeAnn Rimes. In early September, Tanglewood’s Jazz Festival will include appearances by Dr. John and Elvis Costello. You can also catch favorite Wynton Marsalis on September 9 at 8pm.

How to join the fun: Log onto www.tanglewood.org, or for tickets call SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200.

TD BANKNORTH GARDEN

Where: TD Banknorth Garden is located at 1 Fleetcenter Place, St. 200, Boston and this monstrous arena is right next door to some famous Beantown landmarks ~ do the names Fanueil Hall and the North End ring a bell?

What: Groove to the music of your favorite musicians with 19,600 of your closest friends! Formerly known as the Fleet Center, the TD Banknorth Garden has three private restaurants and an amazing multi-million dollar video scoreboard. You can even post your own message on the Jumbotron with a $50 charitable donation during an event. (No wedding proposals, though! They’re saving you the embarrassment of being rejected in front of 19,599 other people!)

Why it’s hot this summer: Two of the sexiest and sassiest women in the music industry will be breaking it down on the Garden stage this summer. First, on July 6, 9, and 10th, the Material Girl Madonna will be bringing her Confessions Tour to Boston. This event is not to missed, but save up a little cash before you head to dance floor. Tickets range in price from $55 – $350. And Shakira will have the fans screaming for more when she brings her Oral Fixation Tour, featuring Wyclef John, on September 5th. Tickets cost between $20 and $85.

How to join the fun: Tickets can be purchased through the website, www.tdbanknorthgarden.com or by calling Ticketmaster.

GILLETTE STADIUM

Where: It’s not just for sports anymore! Gillette Stadium is located at 1 Patriot Place in Foxboro. Don’t be alarmed if you run into a handsome, burly football player while you’re there. The New England Patriots use the stadium for training.

What: Even though Gillette Stadium is known as a mecca for football fans and Revolution fans, there will be some groovy tunes featured there this summer and you won’t be singing to the tune of “We Will Rock You.”

Why it’s hot this summer: Gillette Stadium will be hosting the Third Annual New England Country Music Festival on July 16th at 3:30pm. The show will feature that cute stud of a country singer, Kenny Chesney. Tickets will set you back $85. And for you lovers of hard rock, the Stadium is bringing you Bon Jovi with special guest Nickelback on July 27th at 5pm. If you need your dose of “Bad Medicine,” grab some tix for between $37 – $85.

How to join the fun: Click onto the Stadium’s website, www.gillettestadium.com for tickets and more information.

WARPED TOUR

Where: Fitchburg Municipal Airport August 2

What: The Vans Warped Tour has long been a staple in punk rock culture. Mixing punk music, mosh pits and skateboarding, it’s every testosterone-filled 16-year-old boy’s dream. The massive festival is comprised of several stages, each producing a wicked set of noise all day long. Recent festivals boasted performances from established acts such as the Offspring, My Chemical Romance, and New Found Glory ~ all of which have had success in mainstream music as well.

Why it’s hot this summer: The 12th anniversary of the tour features one its best lineups yet. Sporting acts as diverse as skatepunks NoFX, emo rockers The Early November and ska band Less Than Jake, Warped Tour covers the spectrum of punk rock music. Even “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” herself Joan Jett is slated to take the stage. For local skaters, this year’s tour will also feature the 2nd Annual Amateur Mini-Ramp Skate Jam for cash and prizes. Check out www.caslusf.com for info on preliminary contests.

How to join the fun: Tickets are $26.50 and are available at www.warpedtour.com or at 1-800-477-6849.

IN THE WORKS:

THE HATCH SHELL

Where: On The Charles River Esplanade, right off the Copley Square Exit.

What: The “Hatch Shell”, nicknamed after primary benefactor Maria Hatch and its shell-shaped roof, is Boston’s epicenter for large outdoor performances and open-air events and is the perfect place to spend a warm summer evening with friends and family. Famous for being the site of the Boston Pops July 4th concert, the Shell also hosts a season’s worth of oldies concerts, classical music, both Mike 93.7 FM’s and The River 92.5 FM’s annual concerts, and the Boston Blues Festival.

Why it’s hot this summer: The Blues Festival, this year on Sept. 23 and 24, was started in 1996 by Blues DJ Greg Sarni. Each year it concludes Boston Blues Week, a celebration that features events at area restaurants and nightclubs. The Blues Trust uses this event to expose the genre to a larger audience. In addition to the toe-tappin’ and string strummin’, the organization also presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran musicians and a Berklee scholarship to aspiring artists. The Mike FM and 92.5 FM concerts always boast a roster of some of the hottest pop and rock performers around. All three events will be announcing their final line-ups early in July.

Stay tuned: www.bluestrust.com, 937mikefm.com, & www.wxrv.com/concerts_riverfest, and www.937mikefm.com

9TH ANNUAL WACHUSETT MUSIC FESTIVAL AND BLUES FEST

Where: Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton September 9 and September 10.

What: Two days of music at high altitudes. This ski mountain, the name of which roughly translates from Algonquin as “the Great Hill,” is the tallest mountain in MA this side of the Connecticut River. Its peak stands 2,006 feet above sea level. Enjoy the air up there on beach chairs and blankets, but leave your pets and Pabst at home; no pets or coolers are allowed. Tickets for the Saturday Music Festival are $10 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets for Blues Fest on Sunday are $20 in advance, $30 at the door.

Stay tuned: www.wachusett.com

THE WORCESTER TORNADOES CATCH-A-CONCERT AT FITTON FIELD

Where: When The Tornadoes are on the road, Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field (Holy Cross College, College Street in Worcester) transforms into an outdoor venue for major entertainment acts.

What: On Saturday, July 8th, Hootie and The Blowfish take the stage at 7pm. Then on Saturday, August 19, Lyle Lovett comes to town with opener Shawn Colvin.

Stay tuned: Head to www.catchaconcert.com/ for additional TBA information on times, tickets, and more.

There. Whether it’s rock, country, blues, or classical that gets your juices flowin’, and whether you prefer your music with a picnic, a view, or just a crowd that’s ready to get crazy all night, there’s something on the summer music line-up for you. Great sounds, great friends, great memories…what better combination is there?!

Here’s What our PulseBloggers Had to Say This Month!

Best Summer Driving Songs

Hot in Herre – Nelly
Cruel Summer – Bananarama
Let’s Get It Started – Black Eyed Peas
School’s Out For Summer – Alice Cooper
Hot Legs – Rod Stewart
Sheryl Crow – Soak up the Sun
Summer Lovin’ – Olivia Newton John and John Travolta
Nothin’ But a Good Time – Poison
Dontcha – PussyCat Dolls
Good Vibrations – Beach Boys

Favorite Pre-Concert Meal

Fried Chicken
Burgers and dogs
Ribs
Fried shrimp
Fried clams
Burritos
Italian Sausage
Steak
(doesn’t anyone eat salad anymore?!)

Which summer concert are you most looking forward to seeing?

Madonna, no question. Just because her show is such a major stage production and gives you so much. You get a whole package – music, sex, drama, dancing, theatre. It’s way more than just going to see someone perform songs that you already know. ~ Nate, 27, Shrewsbury

Red Hot Chili Peppers. They kick ass. They’ve got more energy than any other musicians and they’re totally crazy. LOVE their music and their attitude. And there’s always a chance they’ll strip down on stage! ~ Beth, 25, Worcester

The Black Crowes. Coolest cats around. And they don’t tour all that much, so when they do come around, you’d better get tix. Hey, think Kate Hudson will be with them? ~ JD, 30, Charlton

Don’t laugh, but Shakira. I’m in love with her. Seriously. I’d pay to watch that girl boil water. And her voice is sexy, too. And anyone who names her tour “Oral Fixation” is tops in my book! ~ Steve, 26, Worcester

Bon Jovi. They’re my all-time favorite. Always have been, ever since the 80s. And I’m going to wear the concert T I got way back in high school. If it fits. They’re just good rock-n-roll and put on a great show. Plus I’m originally from Jersey, so gotta show my Jersey boys some love!
~ Nikki, 34, Leominster

THIS JUST IN! LOCOBAZOOKA NEWS!
 
Locobazooka will celebrate its 15th season by moving from the Fitchburg Municipal Airport to the Tweeter Center ~ with Alice in Chains headlining the event!  Concert date is Sunday, August 13 starting at 1pm. Head to www.locobazooka.com for more details ~ and to www.ticketmaster.com to order tix on-line!