The Bands of Summer are returning

A new season of free concerts organized by the Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service begins next Wednesday at the Saugus Iron Works

By Laura Eisener

A series of summer concerts at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site will start up again after the Fourth of July. Happily, the Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service will once again be able to host these free events with local bands to fill our summer evenings. This marks the fourth consecutive summer that the library and the park service will be collaborating on a local outdoor event that seems to get more popular every year.

The concert series celebrates local musical talents in Essex County and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the park during evening hours. Shows begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday evening in July and August. People can bring blankets and chairs, snacks, etc. The events take place on the stage behind the museum building, and spectators can settle down on the upper lawn. It is suitable for all ages. Restrooms are available until nearly 8 p.m., when the concerts conclude.

If weather looks bad for any particular Wednesday, concert goers are urged to check the library website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org) for an update about cancellations on that day.

Leading off next Wednesday (July 9) at 6 p.m. is Coco Brown & the Invitation (Motown, Soul). Here is the rest of the schedule for the next two months:

• July 16: Memorylaners (50s, 60s, 70s Hits).
• July 23: Squeeze Box Stompers (Cajun, Zydeco, Blues & Folk).
• July 30: Atwater & Donnelly (Traditional American & Celtic Folk Music, Percussive Dance).
• August 6: Ditto (Acoustic Music, 60s & 70s).
• August 13: John Jerome (Rock, Pop, Country, Hip-Hop).
• August 20: Jon Waterman (a journey through the roots of American popular music).
• August 27: Jump Street (Classic Rock, Motown, Jazz & Funk).