Live from Yarmouth, live concerts are back in person

Heh, psssst! Spread the word… live music is back.

In-person concerts – almost unthinkable during the year of COVID-19 – are back in Yarmouth this summer with a mix of musical performers to suit all tastes.

July and August will feature a myriad of live music events – from free outdoor performances on the beach to gatherings at the Cape Cod Cultural Center to intimate indoor concerts at the brand new music gallery and wine bar. People come together; groups play; and the toes tap.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The place to go on Monday nights is Parkers River Beach for free outdoor music in a family friendly location. The beach on South Shore Drive (at the end of Pine Grove Road) has all the amenities for a perfect evening concert.

First of all, there is plenty of parking, which is free for residents and visitors after 4.30pm. There are also benches for comfort and a play area and swings for the children. Most importantly, there is a stage for concerts and space for 300 to 500 people with blankets and beach chairs.

“We are excited to bring our outdoor concerts back to Parker River Beach this summer,” said Jenn Werner, Director of Marketing, Communications and Events for the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. “People are eager to resume their normal activities, and being able to enjoy family music on the beach is the perfect atmosphere.”

The summer lineup includes popular artists spanning blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, contemporary chamber music, country and folk.

· On July 5th, Steve Morgan and the Kingfish deliver bluesy-jazzy dance music to what guitarist Morgan calls “modern blues and R&B”.

· Crocodile Tears performs old tunes and classic rock tunes from Buddy Holly and Elvis to Eric Clapton and Van Morrison on July 12th.

Summer Town brings a mix of folk, rock, Americana and country to the beach on July 19th.

· On July 26, The Clayton Restaino Project features a mix of Texan boogie, Chicago swing, and good ol ‘blues, soul and funk.

Steve Morgan and the Kingfish are back on August 2nd.

· Drumma Queens, a percussion ensemble for women, will perform on August 9, mixing song, dance and storytelling with their percussion.

· Listen to contemporary chamber music on August 16 with Juventas New Music Ensemble.

· Get ​​a beach full of blues, rock and soul on August 23, with Jukin ‘J and the Rockers.

Clayton Restaino Band returns to crown the series on August 30.

Performances of the Yarmouth Summer Concert Series run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., leaving time for a sunset stroll on the beach, a late dinner or dessert at your favorite ice cream stand. Guests may bring food with them for the concert, as the beach concession closes at 4:30 p.m. Blankets and beach chairs are also recommended, but you will need to leave your pets at home. Dogs are not permitted on Yarmouth public beaches until Labor Day.

The concerts are free, with no rainy dates. For more information, visit the www.yarmouthcapecod.com.

CULTURAL CENTER

Live music is also making a comeback at the South Yarmouth Cultural Center. The historic venue held its first live concert of the season on June 5, after the indoor mask warrants were lifted, and it looked like people were ‘coming home,’ CEO Molly Demeulenaere said .

“Nothing replaces that experience when you are sitting in front of a large group or a great artist,” she said. “We are delighted to find people. “

Most concerts take place in the Great Hall of the Cultural Center, which can accommodate up to 150 people. But attendance is kept closer to 100 so patrons can sit at group tables or kick their heels up on a dance floor, according to the artist. No matter what type of band is playing, the venue is a beautiful setting and the acoustics are magical, Demeulenaere said.

Upcoming concerts include Joe Mongelli and the Cape Jazz Crew: A Tribute to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers on Saturday July 10; Zoe Lewis: Back in the saddle on July 17th; Rockabilly Dance Party with Sarah Swain and the Oh Boys! July 23; the 17th annual Provincetown Jazz Festival, featuring Krisanthi Pappas and Cape Cod Jazz Quintet, August 2; and two performances by the James Taylor tribute group Shower the People on August 7 and 8.

Find a full schedule of events, with ticket prices and member information at www.centre-culturel.org.

THE MUSIC ROOM

There’s also a new stage in town: The Music Room Gallery and Wine Bar, an intimate venue featuring small-group concerts with renowned artists, opened in early June and has since hosted sold-out performances of James. Mongtomery, Roomful of Blues, and the Honey Island Swamp Band.

The property troika of Brian Serpone, Grammy Award-winning guitarist Paul Nelson, and Scott Cornella planned the venue at 541 Main Street for an unprecedented guest experience. The music room has a custom-designed sound system and a large stage that can seat 98 people, ensuring cutting-edge acoustics in an intimate setting.

It also has an internal recording studio linked to the live performance hall; a fine art gallery with rock and roll artifacts, photos, and fine art (all for sale); a tapas menu; and a full-service bar for craft beers, wines and designer cocktails.

Upcoming performances include Blues guitar sensation Ana Popovic on Saturday July 3; Ayla Brown and Rob Bellamy on July 8; Gumbo Grits and Gravy on July 11; and a reunion of musical talent as Peter Asher and Company celebrates ‘Sister Kate’ 50th anniversary for three consecutive nights (July 30-31 and August 1).

More information on upcoming performances on www.musicroomcapecod.com.

The Yarmouth 360 Column is produced by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and the City of Yarmouth. Andy Tomolonis is a freelance non-fiction writer, blogger, and media producer.