Spring is here, the flowers are in bloom and our local neighborhood associations and non-profit cultural organizations are busy planning a summer full of music and fun for residents of all ages. All events listed below are free, all-ages and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Courtesy of the Friends of Titus Sparrow Park, the Titus Sparrow Park Summer Concert Series returns on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM with a summer-full of danceable music for the whole family. Although the start and end dates of this summer's series are not available at press time, the concerts usually commence around the final week of May and end right after Labor Day. Please visit www.titussparrowpark.org for schedule and other details.
On Tuesday mornings at 10:00 AM, take a mid-morning break with the kiddies and come out to Titus Sparrow Park for the Children's Concert Series. On Tuesday, June 25 at 10:00 AM, Vanessa Trien will serenade the kids and moms, and on July 9, Sarah Wheeler returns to the Titus Sparrow stage. Please visit www.titussparrowpark.org for more information.
Worcester Square Area Neighborhood Association's (WSANA) reprises its Music in the Square concert series starting on Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 PM with Penny Layne and the Wonder Boys. Talent for the Thursday, July 18 and Thursday, August 15 dates is to be announced. Please visit WSANA's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterSquare/ for more details
Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association (B/FSNA) and Washington Gateway Main Streets (WGMS) are teaming up again to present the Summer Soulstice festival in Blackstone Square on Thursday, June 20. There will be entertainment, food trucks, and a fun evening in the park with neighbors. According to WGMS president Arthur "Bud" Larievy, the two groups are planning an even bigger event this year, so mark it on your calendar! See the WGMS web site at http://www.gatewaymainstreet.org/ for further information on the schedule and activities.
On Friday, June 21, the Friends of Union Park present a Movie Night Fundraiser with the baseball-themed romantic comedy, "Fever Pitch", starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. The park opens at 6:00 PM for the event, and the film begins at sundown. Please see the Union Park Neighborhood Association's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UPNABoston/ and web site at http://www.upna.org/ for more information on UPNA's summer activities.
On Saturday, June 22, the Community Music Center of Boston celebrates the Summer Solstice by filling five South End Parks with music at Fête de la Musique. From 3:00-6:00 PM, there will be family-friendly performances in an array of musical styles at BCA Plaza, Union Park, Frieda Garcia Park, Hayes Park and Ringgold Park. Talent has not been announced as of press time, but details on performers, set times, a venue map and more will become available at https://cmcb.org/events/fete-de-la-musique
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD) offers a three-week Artist in Residence Workshop for ages 3-10 on Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 25 from 10:00 AM-12:00 noon in Ringgold Park. Artists will lead take-home art and craft activities, with materials provided. During the Thursday, July 18 session, ParkArts will present Rosalita's Marionette Puppets during the workshop, starting at 11:00 AM. Please emailparks@cityofboston.gov to register for the Artist in Residence Workshop.
On Thursday, July 11 at 7:00 PM, baila (dance) to the rhythms of the Mambo Rican Group at the first concert of the 2019 Tito Puente Latin Music Series in O'Day Playground, 85 West Newton Street. The series continues in O'Day on Thursday, July 18 with Dominican bachata and merengue singer Gilenny Gi with percussionist Eric Germán. The third and final show at O'Day will take place on Thursday, August 1 with 3Nity, the first all-female Latin ensemble in Boston with a formidable lineup including singer/drummer Zayra Pola and singer/cuatro player Fabiola Mendez. Diviértate! (Have fun!)
The Friends of Union Park group reprises its Sunday afternoon Union Park Concert Series on Sunday, July 14 and Sunday, August 11 at 4:00 PM with pop hits and classic rock with the Carl Eisman Band. Also on Sunday, August 11, the Friends group presents a children's show in Union Park from 3:00-5:00 PM with Davey the Clown.
Celebrate with Villa Victoria on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 at Festival Betances in Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham Street. Join the Villa Victoria community as they honor the memory of Puerto Rican national hero and physician Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances with Latin music, dance, food and other activities. Please visit https://www.ibaboston.org/events/festival-betances for the performance schedule and other details.
The Tuesday evening Concerts at the Library Park, 685 Tremont Street, return this year on Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 PM with jazz by perennial favorites Pat Loomis and Friends. The concerts continue on July 30, August 20 and August 27. Little Grove will play a Children's Concert in Library Park on Monday, July 1 at 10:30 AM.
BPRD also presents a Watercolor Painting Workshop on Saturday, September 7 at 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in Blackstone Square. Budding artists of all skill levels are welcome; just bring your creativity.
Now that you are in the know, have a good time savoring all the outdoor arts and cultural events this summer holds, and don't forget the sunblock!