When New Englanders go to western Massachusetts with music in mind, they usually center their thoughts on Tanglewood the well known summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. But with just a little effort music lovers will discover that, while Tanglewood is still the musical gem of the west, other towns not too far from Tanglewood also know how to offer excellent musical entertainment and they offer it for free.
Williamstown. No one is ever very surprised when something special is taking place in Williamstown in the summer. A delightful college town, home to Williams College, this scenic community just has a handle on making summer events happen for the many tourists that visit the Berkshires as well as for their own year round residents. Art, antiques, theater and music are all part of the Williamstown experience.
So it is no surprise that in Williamstown you can find excellent free summer band concerts. The events are held at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute on its inviting and expansive lawn. This year concerts will be held on Tuesday evenings in July beginning at 6 p.m. On the schedule are musical groups that will feature patriotic songs, jazz, honky-tonk and blue grass. The series will begin on July 3 with the Eagles Band, a group founded in 1936. You’ll be listening to the oldest continually operating band in the Berkshires as well as the official band of Pittsfield, MA During the balance of the month visitors can hear “Riverboat Jazz Band” , “Girl Howdy” , “The Stanley Brothers” and “Curly Headed Rascals”.
What really adds to the Williamstown experience is that you are welcomed to come early and enjoy browsing the galleries at the Clark Institute, which on concert days remains open until 6 p.m.
Many visitors enjoy bringing their own dinner picnic but you should also know that barbecue foods are available on site for your purchase. In case of rain concerts are still held and they are still free but are presented in the Institute’s auditorium. You can access a complete listing of performers by visiting www.clarkart.edu.
Westfield If your taste in music includes brass instruments or patriotic music you should enjoy the free concert series that is offered in Westfield, MA .
Fondly referred to as the Stanley Park Sunday Concerts, the series is offered at the “park” at 400 Western Ave. in Westfield. Concerts in this series span the entire summer from June right through to Labor Day.
As the name implies, all concerts in this series are held on Sunday. They begin at 6p.m. and chairs are available.
Among the participating groups this summer are “Classic Brass” and “The Westfield American Legion Band” that will be sure to give you your fill of vibrant brass melodies including patriotic and traditional tunes. But don’t worry if your tastes tend to a more gentle melodies. You will also find on the schedule groups like the” Sweet Adelines” who always can please you with some four part harmony numbers that leave you with a smile.
For more information about the summer schedule of performers visit www.stanleypark.org.
North Adams A western outpost of the Berkshire area, North Adams continues each year to draw a hefty portion of the summer visitor crowd to its events and attractions. A great center for recreation in North Adams is Windsor Lake located at Bradley and Kemp Ave.
This year Windsor Lake is also the site for the North Adams series of free summer concerts. All concert events are held on Wednesday at 7 p.m.and guests are reminded to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
If you are vacationing in the area a great combination idea is to spend the late afternoon at Windsor Lake enjoying the opportunity it provides for swimming and boating. Let the kids run free and enjoy the Lake Windsor playground. Then break out your picnic evening meal and finally top off the day with the excellent offerings of the North Adams summer concert series. You will leave refreshed and knowing that everyone has had a great time.
Summer concerts have a lot to recommend them. The combination of soft summer evening breezes and your favorite music is a tough act to beat. When you can have it all and its free you really have hit the jackpot. Maybe you will even hear someone playing that old favorite “The Best Things in Life Are Free.
