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Enjoy rhythm and blues with Barrence Whitfield & the Savages at Maudslay Arts Center on Saturday evening, July 3, at 7 p.m. Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport.
Barrence Whitfield, AKA Barry White, started singing in a Gospel church as a young child. Throughout his high school years, he belonged to bands as both a singer and a drummer. Whitfield came to Boston, where he was discovered by Peter Greenberg, the founder of the original Savages, and got a taste of the rock ‘n roll life.
Soon Whitfield was traveling all over Europe, making records, and being embraced by fans for his matchless and boundless energy and talent. Whitfield has performed with Bo Diddley, Tina Turner, George Thorogood, Robert Cray, The Reverend Solomon Burke, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, and Richard Thompson.
Whether you’re sitting under the stars on a moonlit evening, or lounging on a blanket on a Sunday afternoon, the MAC Summer Concert Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure. Now in its 18th season, the MAC performance schedule offers something for everyone.
The series opens on Saturday, July 3, with Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, and culminates with Shirim Klezmer Orchestra on Saturday, Aug. 28. In between there is something for everyone. As a special treat, The Massachusetts Air National Guard Band will perform a free Friday evening concert on July 9 at 7 p.m.
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include: Barrence Whitfield & the Savages on July 3, The New Black Eagles Jazz Band on July 10, The Don Campbell Band on July 17, Lance Bryant Quintet on July 24, Paul Broadnax Quintet on Aug. 7, Rebecca Parris on Aug. 14, Grace Kelly Jazz on Aug. 21, and Shirim Klezmer Orchestra on Aug. 28.
Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: The Dave Rowe Trio on July 11, Black Sea Salsa on July 18, The Walker Creek Band on July 25, Occidental Gypsy Jazz Quartet on Aug. 8, An Afternoon of Celtic Music and Dance on Aug. 15, and American Century Music Classical Quintet on Aug. 22.
Concerts are held rain or shine, moving inside to the MAC Concert Barn when weather dictates. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, which can be casual or as elaborate as a gourmet meal with tablecloth and flowers and whatever suits the patron’s fancy. Delicious desserts such as seasonal cobblers, brownies, and local ice cream, and beverages may be purchased during intermission, all served by dedicated MAC volunteers, who continue to make this non-profit series happen.
Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Patio seating (tables and chairs) is $20, while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $18. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $10, and senior admission is $8. Children 12 and under are free.
To purchase tickets online (major credit cards accepted), or for further information about the performers, visit the MAC website at www.maudslayartscenter.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the gate, or by calling to reserve at (978) 499-0050.
The series is supported with generous donations and grants from The Five Cents Savings Bank, The Provident Bank, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and dedicated volunteers and patrons.
