The Summer Sound Series will return to downtown New Bedford on June 26, bringing free concerts to the city through Sept. 4.
The series is scheduled to kick off June 26 and run Friday nights through Sept. 4, according to a community announcement. The concerts take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except for the July 3 show, which will begin at 6 p.m.
The series is organized by AHA! New Bedford and presented by Mayor Jon Mitchell. Explore New Bedford, WPRI Channel 12, The Black Whale, Candela Cucina, National Club, The Whale’s Tail and New Bedford Light are sponsoring the event.
This year’s lineup includes a mix of new acts and returning favorites, spanning genres from ska and funk to indie and reggae.
The series will kick off with the NB Rude Boys on June 26, featuring special guests Lori Gomes, a New Bedford vocalist and business owner; John Collins, a Dartmouth saxophonist formerly with 7 Day Weekend; and Walt Bostonian, an international recording artist and trombonist who has performed with Bim Skala Bim.
Autumn Drive and Morrissey Blvd. will perform July 3, coinciding with the city’s NB250 celebration. The evening will include family-friendly activities and music, culminating with fireworks over the harbor at 9 p.m., according to the announcement.
The Groovalottos will bring funk to Lower Union Street July 17, kicking off the NB Roots and Branches Festival, which celebrates music, art and creativity with primarily acoustic performances in and around local businesses.
The Funkie White Honkies will perform July 24 on Purchase Street, followed by the Neal McCarthy Electric 6-Piece Band on Aug. 7 on Lower Union Street.
The Pearly Baker Band, a Grateful Dead tribute and jam band, will take the stage Aug. 14 on Purchase Street.
The Aug. 21 concert will feature Jammin’, a reggae band, and will coincide with the 3rd EyE Open annual hip hop festival. The festival will include live music, dance exhibitions and battles, live street art, interactive activities and community programmers, according to the announcement.
Brian & the Cassettes will perform Aug. 28 on Purchase Street, with special guests to be announced. The series will conclude Sept. 4 with Entrain, a funk and world music band, on Lower Union Street.
“The Summer Sound Series is one more reason to look forward to summer in New Bedford,” Mayor Mitchell said. “The concerts and block parties energize Downtown and support a variety of small businesses.”
Kim Goddard, executive director of AHA! New Bedford, echoed Mitchell’s sentiment.
“There is something truly magical about watching generations come together, complete with dancing in the streets! The joy and camaraderie are palpable on these summer nights,” Goddard said in the announcement. “It is such a privilege to produce the Summer Sound Series. We are so grateful for this devoted community that makes it all come alive.”
Free parking will be available at the Elm Street Garage and the Zeiterion Garage during the concerts. All concerts are weather permitting.
More information about the Summer Sound Series can be found at ahanewbedford.org and explorenewbedford.com.
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