Events INSIDER: May 28 – June 4, 2013

05/27/13 by
Giveaways
Win: Wiz Khalifa and A$AP Rocky’s ‘Under the Influence of Music’
In addition to Wiz Khalifa and A$AP Rocky, this expanded, 20-city epic hip-hop trek will also feature special guests B.o.B., Trinidad Jame$, Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era and Berner, Chevy Woods, and Smoke DZA. And I have two tickets to give away for the August 7 show! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. Win: Wiz Khalifa and A Rocky's 'Under the Influence of Music'Comcast Center Mansfield, MA, .
Win: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra
We gave this 5-stars last year! With 10 vocalists, this rock band performs most of the greatest hits in the history of rock. Don’t miss a night full of color, music and emotion. 8pm. Ultrasonic Rock OrchestraThe Regent Theatre Arlington, MA, .
Win: Boston Surfs! The Regent Surf Film & Music Festival
Surf’s up! I have 4 tickets to give away for this film and music festival devoted to surf. Email to johnny@eventsinsider.com for a chance to win and say which nights you want to attend (all of them is fine). Win: Boston Surfs! The Regent Surf Film & Music FestivalRegent Theatre Arlington Arlington, MA, –.
Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter
Hey! I’ve split my Twitter feed into 17 regions so that you can REALLY get just the events close to home, or pick what you like. Please check it out and add me to a ‘Twitter list’ too (google it). Find 16 New England Regions on Twitter All Over, , –.
Get the 2013 New England Guide
Mention my website to friends and get my 2013 New England Guide, with 1,200 off-beat destinations including dinosaur footprints, zoos, ziplines, where to go stargazing, and where to find an indoor water park in December! Get the 2013 New England Guide All Over, , –.
Outdoor concerts!
Events Insider keeps track of all the cool, fun and outdoorsy activities in New England. This is where you find the places and events you cannot miss.To see them, go to Events INSIDER, select your region on the map, and then scroll all the way to the bottom. more
Johnny’s Picks
Ancient and Honorable June Day Parade
After the election of the Officers and Sergeants of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, a parade takes place. Don’t let the words ‘ancient’ and ‘honorable’ mislead you, this is a truly moving and patriotic event, if you’re into that. Ancient and Honorable June Day ParadeGovernment Center Boston, MA, .
Cambridge River Festival
Cambridge sure knows how to throw a party! More than 33 art performances, paired with interactive activities and more than 100 food vendors. 12-6pm. Cambridge River FestivalWeeks Footbridge at DeWolfe Street Cambridge, MA, .
SomerStreets Carnaval
Thsi festival boasts a scavenger hunt, live performances, food and craft vendors and a motion parade, whatever that means. The usual face painting and kids activities are here too. 12-4pm. SomerStreets CarnavalVarious Somerville, MA, .
Dorchester Day Parade
Dorchester Day Parade sounds fun, but I wish they had more info on their website. One thing’s for sure: There are cook-offs after the parade. 1pm. Dorchester Day ParadeDorchester Avenue Dorchester, MA, .
Arlington Soapbox Derby Race Day
I’ve seen this! Children race awesome gravity-powered homemade cars. This is the only one I know of near Boston. BTW, winners go to the International Race in Akron, Ohio. 9am. Arlington Soapbox Derby Race DayEastern Avenue Arlington, MA, .
Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Festival
I have only one rule for ice cream: The more, the better. This all-you can-eat fest offers ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. It’s the biggest event of its type in the world. 12-8pm daily. Scooper Bowl Ice Cream FestivalBoston City Hall Plaza Boston, MA, –.
Winchester Town Day
Welcome summer, engage in athletics competitions, play games with kids and enjoy music. Winchestet Town Day closes with an amazig fireworks show. 8am. Winchester Town DayDowntown Winchester Winchester, MA, .
Boston Pride Week
Boston Pride proudly presents a bunch of community focused activities. Dancing, parades, music and much more are part of a festival that makes people come together. Boston Pride WeekVarious locations Boston, MA, –.
Boston Bike Party
Geeks get together in conventions and bike riders get together in the streets! Meet, greet and ride across the city with other people who have also named their bike ‘Margaret’. 7:30pm. Boston Bike PartyDewey Square Plaza Boston, MA, .
Common Boston festival
WHOA! An architectural festival made this list? Well, this one has walking tours, art, dance, and design installations, music, and a dance party. It’s the only free architectural fest in the city, and that’s a plus. Common Boston festivalVarious locations Boston, MA, –.
Arlington Greek Festival
This is the largest cultural festival in Arlington. There’s Greek food, dancing, and live music. The mix is completed by Greek style kids games and activities. Arlington Greek FestivalSaint Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church Arlington, MA, –.
The Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
This is a magical scavenger hunt, or something close to that. Come to MFA and find all the references to the Harry Potter books. Both children and adults are welcome to participate. 1 pm. The Wizard School Scavenger HuntThe Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, .
dParty
This is the kick off event for the summer Common Boston Festival. There’s dancing, music and food, all matched with a great view of Boston’s skyline. 6-11pm. dPartyMarina Pier East Boston, MA, .
Scavenger Hunt for a Cure
Two Scavenger Hunts in a day, mmm. The difference is this one is throughout the city and it’s a fundraising event to help cure multiple sclerosis. There will be prizes and an after-party. Registration 10 am, Party 4pm. Scavenger Hunt for a CureThe Bell in Hand Tavern Boston, MA, .
Annual Azorean Whaleboat Regatta
Part of the Boston Portuguese Festival, this regatta stands out from other events because the race is made in actual whaleboats owned by the Azorean Maritime Society. After the race you can also enjoy a ride on one of these boats. Race begins at 12pm. Annual Azorean Whaleboat RegattaMIT Pierce Boathouse Cambridge, MA, .
Waterfire Providence
Every other Saturday more than 80 bonfires are lit on the river and festivities happen along the shore. Check site’s schedule for dates or our weekly listing of outdoor events. Waterfire ProvidenceWaterplace Park Providence, RI, –.
Huck Finn Day
This fishing derby is completed by sack races, water balloon tosses, and a Huck Finn Look-A-Like Contest I love it! 10am. Huck Finn DayCrandall Field Ashaway, RI, .
Blacksmith Weekend
All blacksmiths all the time is the theme for this 18th century re-enactment. I’ve never seen that before. Get yourself a horseshoe. Blacksmith WeekendThe Fort At No. 4 Charlestown, NH, –.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
One does not usually expect someone to die after a nice fancy dinner on a train. Come solve this interesting murder mystery case. 6pm. Murder Mystery Dinner TrainConway Scenic Railway North Conway, NH, .
Also Fun
Historic New England Open House Day
Open House all over New England? Better check their website for a list of all the venues that will be free to visit during this day. Surely there’ll be something that will catch your attention. Historic New England Open House DayVarious locations All Over, , .
Kick-ass Party: Art for the 1 Fund
Help those who need it the most while you enjoy the very best of Boston’s burlesque, comedy, spoken word, film, dance and art shows. All proceeds will benefit One Fund. 7:30pm. Kick-ass Party: Art for the 1 FundClub Oberon Cambridge, MA, .
Rise Of The Individual
The author of ‘The end of big’ discusses with the Director of the Free Expression Project how the Internet empowers the individual, but also how it affects our relationship with institutions and governments. 6:30pm. Rise Of The IndividualSuffolk University Boston, MA, .
Celebration of the Spring
This celebration of spring includes the traditional dancing and singing. The highlight of the event is the sword dance team, which will dance to the death. Just kidding! 7:30pm. Celebration of the SpringRevels and Perkins School for the Blind Watertown, MA, .
Boston Children’s Chorus Anniversary Concert
This is a special presentation of the Boston’s Children Chorus, featuring dancing and an original word score for it. It promises to be a good show. 7:30pm. Boston Children's Chorus Anniversary ConcertInstitute of Contemporary Art Boston, MA, –.
Quilters’ Connection Annual Quilt Show
This is the biggest quilting event in New England. All of the 200 quilts are genuine works of art, and most are for sale. Don’t forget to bring your wallet! Quilters' Connection Annual Quilt ShowArsenal Center for the Arts Watertown, MA, –.
Charles River One Mile Swim
Are you comfortable swimming for 40 minutes straight? The Charles River Swimming Club holds their annual 1-mile swim this weekend. Experienced swimmers only. 8am. Rain date June 16Th. Charles River One Mile SwimArthur Fiedler Dock Boston, MA, .
Identifying the 25 Most Common Trees in Boston
Can you name and identify the 25 most common trees in Boston? No? Then you should come and learn from Arnold Arboretum. 9am, but it’s $60 for non-members and $45 for members. Ouch. Identifying the 25 Most Common Trees in BostonArnold Arboretum, Hunnewell Building Lawn Boston, MA, .
AIDS Walk Boston
You can walk, run or just donate to help fight AIDS. It’s good for you, and good for others. 7:30am registration, 9:50am race starts. AIDS Walk BostonDCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell Boston, MA, .
Bike-A-Thon
Choose between 4 different bike rides, and then stay for the ride after-party. It’s fun but to enter you need to fundraise 150 green bills. Bike-A-ThonPark at Boylston & Lamartine Streets Boston, MA, .
Whaleboat Regatta
Whaleboats are not boats made out of whales, but they’re still fun to watch when racing. There will be sailing demos, tours on boats and great food. 11am. Whaleboat RegattaMIT Pierce Boathouse Cambridge, MA, .
Bike to the Sea Day
Join this bike ride to the beach. After all, it’s summer time and that means everyone should go out and have fun. Meet in Everett and bike to Nahant Beach. There’s a shorter ride for kids. 9am. Bike to the Sea DayMadeline English School Everett, MA, .
Garden Party Gala
The theater celebrates its 39th anniversary with a party in the garden! There will be food, music and slam puppet performances! 7pm. Garden Party GalaPuppet Showplace Theatre Brookline, MA, .
The Vietnam Moving Wall
The Moving Wall won’t be moving for 4 days, since it will be staying at Medway High School. Come pay homage to the nation’s heroes. The Vietnam Moving WallMedway High School Medway, MA, –.
Concord Museum Garden Tour
Gardens so exclusive that you have to pay before seeing them? Luckily, you get a map, access to all of them and some gifts when you buy your ticket. 9am. Concord Museum Garden TourConcord Museum Concord, MA, .
Old South Organ and Brass Concert
Organ concerts are visually impacting. You know, because of the pipes. This one is boosted by great brass and percussion artists, resulting in powerful experience. 6:30 & 8:00pm. Old South Organ and Brass ConcertOld South United Methodist Church Reading, MA, .
Statewide Free Fishing Weekend
Go fishing is a card game I never really liked, but GOING fishing is something I’d do anytime; and you can too, without paying a dime, for two days. Choose any waterbody of the state and get your rods ready, you won’t need anything else. Oh, well, perhaps just someone else to join you and talk about the good ol’ days. Statewide Free Fishing WeekendMassachusetts All Over, , –.
Hudson Fest
A duck race is one of the many highlights of this festival. It also boasts a food court, live music performances and a 5K race. 9am. Hudson FestSouth Street, Downtown Hudson Hudson, MA, .
Ice Cream Social and Open House
Phillips House hosts an open house with ukulele music, ice cream and outdoor games. Who said museums are boring? 1pm. Ice Cream Social and Open HousePhillips House Museum Salem, MA, .
Audubon Nature Festival
Of course all activities are related to nature, so you’ll find walks, talks, and an insect zoo! The feature event is the ‘Eyes on Owls’ show. 10am-4pm. Audubon Nature FestivalIpswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Hamilton, MA, .
Randolph Country Fair
Fiesta Shows seems to be everywhere! This time is visiting the Randolph Country Fair. Also, food and games. Randolph Country FairZapustas Ice Arena Randolph, MAspan>, –.
Green Up the Blue Hills
The Friends of the Blue Hills need your help fighting invasive plants. They will have face painting, scavenger hunts and live music for the ones that choose to help them out. Green Up the Blue HillsPonkapoag AMC Cabins Randolph, MA, .
PechaKucha Night
Come prepared to enjoy multiple PechaKucha presentations. Topics will vary, and you can register to be one of the people presenting at the show. 7:30pm. PechaKucha NightHarbor View Hotel Edgartown, MA, .
Classic Cars and Classic Music
Old cars, old songs, good ol’ times! Two back-in-time bands will perform at this classic car show. Bring your own chairs or blankets. 6pm. Classic Cars and Classic MusicWistariahurst Museum Holyoke, MA, .
Antique Car Rally at Old Sturbridge Village
Classic cars look funny, but cool at the same time. This event reunites more than 50 pre-1946 vehicles for you to see. they also invite owners to join their parade. 3:30pm. Antique Car Rally at Old Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA, .
Berkshire International Film Festival
C’mon! A film festival during summer? We’re supposed to be outside! Sigh. Once you’re in Great Barrington, check out Barong Imports. They sell imported art and have a whole warehouse of weird wonderful stuff. Berkshire International Film FestivalVarious locations Great Barrington, MA, –.
Wellfleet Restaurant Week
Wellfleet’s restaurant week is not limited to just eating. This week-long festival features live entertainment, a nautical flea market and many outdoor activities. Wellfleet Restaurant WeekVarious locations Wellfleet, MA, –.
The Man Who Never Was: World War II’s Boldest Counter-Intelligence Operation
This lecture is about how the Nazis were deceived by a mastermind plan prepared by British agent Ewen Montagu. Spoiler: The plan involved a floating corpse. 2013:7pm. The Man Who Never Was: World War II's Boldest Counter-Intelligence OperationFalmouth Museums on the Green Falmouth, MA, .
National Women of Color Weekend
P-town is ready to celebrate The Women of Color Weekend! There’s going to be improv, talent shows, fashion shows and much much more. National Women of Color WeekendVarious locations Provincetown, MA, –.
Performance
Review: Pirates of Penzance
Jack Sparrow’s not the only funny pirate out there. Enjoy this extravagant, award-winning musical farce at Club Oberon. Click for our review! Review: Pirates of PenzanceThe American Repertory Theatre Loeb Drama Center Cambridge, MA, –.
Interview: SPANK: The 50 Shades Parody
The book’s quite naughty, and this ‘wildly entertaining’, ‘laugh-out-loud funny’ parody of Fifty Shades of Grey is coming to Boston. Click for my interview with Michelle from the cast! Interview: SPANK: The 50 Shades ParodyThe Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA, –.
Colene Walters: A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline’s music is legendary. This is why Colene Walters brings the greatest hits back to Firehouse Center for the Arts. 8pm. Colene Walters: A Tribute to Patsy ClineFirehouse Center for the Arts Newburyport, MA, .
Cirque du YMCA
Cirque du YMCA has been running in Westfield for 125 years. Come enjoy an evening of elegant and fun performances. 5:30pm. Cirque du YMCAWestfield State University Westfield, MA, .
The Musical Parlor of Emily Dickinson
So, this is a musical performance of Emily Dickingson’s favorites, and a talk about her interaction with society through music. 3pm. The Musical Parlor of Emily DickinsonFirst Congregational Church Amherst, MA, .
Travel
Art Night Bristol Warren
Every last Thursday of every month from April through October, several artists of Rhode Island open their doors and show their work and projects. Sounds pretty cool, and it’s completely free! 5-9pm. Art Night Bristol WarrenVarious locations Bristol, RI, –.
Taste of Block Island
Block Island is not square, not even a little. Come enjoy the multiple activities available to visitors: Kayaking, live music, Baggo tournaments, farm tours and much more. Taste of Block IslandAll over Block Island, RI, –.
Great Chowder Cook-off
It’s the Great Chowder Cook-off! Try a wide variety of chowders and vote for your favorite. There will be activities for kids. noon. Great Chowder Cook-offNewport Yachting Center Newport, RI, .
Wood River Summer Paddle
Experienced kayak enthusiasts are invited to join Wood River Summer Paddle. They claim this is a challenging but fun experience. 9-2pm. Wood River Summer PaddleDEM Deer Check Station, Rt. 165 Exeter, RI, .
Block Island’s Find a Float
Finders keepers! There are 400 Glass Floats in Block Island waiting to be found by their future owners. Will all 400 of them be found this year? It’s up to you! Block Island's Find a FloatAll Over Block Island, RI, –.
Federal Hill Stroll
This one sounds more like buying a ‘VIP’ pass for a group of food venues around, with some live music added. You still have to pay for your food, though. 4:30pm. Federal Hill StrollFederal Hill Providence, RI, .
WOKQ Chowder Festival
This festival is all about food. They claim they’re the oldest and largest chowder event in New England. Maybe they should add some new activities or something to make it stand out. 11:30am. WOKQ Chowder FestivalPrescott Park Portsmouth, NH, .
Summer in the Streets
It’s great to see there are still events that are not vendor driven. This one focuses on performances and music. Some saturdays, 5-9:30pm. Summer in the StreetsPleasant street Portsmouth, NH, –.
GOOD NEWS! A Musical Comedy
Music, dancing, singing and laughter are perfectly mixed by this full of energy GoodSpeed musical production. GOOD NEWS! A Musical ComedyGoodspeed Opera House East Haddam, CT, –.
Robin Hood Springtime Festival
I’ve been to this event, and it’s the best renaissance faire in New England, hands down. Come dressed as Robing Hood for added fun. Robin Hood Springtime FestivalGuilford Fairgrounds, Lovers Lane Guilford, CT, –.
Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival
Great bluegrass figures will be performing at this 4-day festival. There will be camping spaces for attendees and lots of workshops too! Strawberry Park Bluegrass FestivalStrawberry Park Preston, CT, –.
June Wildfire, a Fire Arts Event
A fire-spinning camp? Now that’s hot! Learn the basics of fire-spinning or master advanced techniques, with the help of pro-spinners. This always sells out, but check their calendar and get in early for the next one. June Wildfire, a Fire Arts EventJ.N. Webster Scout Reservation Ashford, CT, –.
Dragon Boat Racing at River Fest Norwich
So this is where dragons ended up! Come to this dragon boat race and have fun. I wonder if there will be any fire breathing boats. Exclusive for GNACC Members. 9am. Dragon Boat Racing at River Fest NorwichHoward T. Brown Park, Chelsea Harbor Drive Norwich, CT, .
Connecticut Trails Day
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching. It’s the US’s largest outdoor park festival, they say. All day for 2 days. Connecticut Trails DayOn Trails Throughout Connecticut All Over, , –.
Victorian Days in Willimantic
Take a lantern tour through Willimantic or enjoy Victorian tea. There a many more events that aim to preserve Victorian History. Most of them are art displays and walking tours. Victorian Days in WillimanticHistoric Downtown Willimantic Willimantic, CT, –.
Civil War Naval Encampment & Living History
Mystic Seaport is a living history museum with tons of re-enactors on a normal business day, and now they’re having a festival. I really want to see this! Civil War Naval Encampment & Living HistoryMystic Seaport Mystic, CT, .
StarConn
Come make your own amateur telescope or learn how to set up an observatory. This festival includes lectures by professional astronomers too. 9am. StarConnWesleyan University’s Science Center Middletown, CT, .
Moose Mainea
Moose are so awesome and cool that a full month is required to celebrate them. Find lots of interesting moosy events all around Maine. Moose MaineaGreenville Village Greenville, ME, –.
Acadia Birding Festival
This birding festival features a huge bunch of events most of them are guided walks. All of them cost at least 10 bucks and there’s one that runs for 75 USD. WHAT? Acadia Birding FestivalMount Desert Island Bar Harbor, ME, –.
Westbrook Together Days
Come ride a pony, or test your skills at the dunk tank. The cherry on the cake is the fireworks show. There’s also a 5K run. Westbrook Together DaysRiverbank Park Westbrook, ME, –.
Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival
Wohoooo! It’s 3 days of hot-air balloons. You know you can’t go wrong with these. There will be food, crafts and other stuff for sale. Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival Dover-Foxcroft, ME, –.
Maine Fiber Frolic
This event boasts several workshops, including doll making and other fiber related contests. Find food vendors and fun dog sheep shows 9-4pm. Maine Fiber FrolicWindsor Fairgrounds, Rt. 32 Windsor, ME, –.
Retreat from Canada in 1776
Go back to 1776 , and witness the retreat of the American Northern Army from Quebec. This is an interesting re-enactment. 10-4pm weekdays, except Tuesday and Wednesday. Retreat from Canada in 1776 Burlington, VT, –.
Vermont Dairy Festival
Take part in a baking contest, or join the Texas Hold ’em tournament. This festival also includes fireworks, games and a milking contest for kids. Vermont Dairy FestivalDowntown Enosburg Falls, VT, –.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Burlington discover Jazz Festival has been called one of the top ten festivals in the world. Looking at this year’s lineup, it might be true. There will be plenty outdoor and intimate indoor performances. Burlington Discover Jazz FestivalVarious Burlington, VT, –.
Outdoor Theatre
 Outdoor Theatre & More – click map above to set region Mon 5/27 Tue 5/28 Wed 5/29 Thu 5/30 Fri 5/31 Sat 6/1 Sun 6/2 Mon 6/3
WaterfireProvidence, RI

This is an spectacular water and fire event that lights up three rivers in Rhode Island (2/31 event is a bit smaller than the usual). shortly after sunset.
Providence Place, 401 751-1221. more
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Downtown Sundown SeriesProvidence, RI

Bring your own chair, blanket and maybe even a picnic dinner to enjoy the free performance of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. 8pm.
Roger Williams Natl Memorial, 282 North Main St, 401-521-7266. more
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Outdoor Movies
 Outdoor Movies – click map above to set region Mon 5/20 Tue 5/21 Wed 5/22 Thu 5/23 Fri 5/24 Sat 5/25 Sun 5/26 Mon 5/27
America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to BroadwayProvidence, RI

6pm.
Providence Public Library more
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Movie on the BeachWesterly, RI

6pm.
1 Bluff Ave, 401-584-7000. more
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Movies on the BlockProvidence, RI

Thursdays 8pm DATES TBA.
Westminster St at Union St more
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Outdoor Concerts
 Outdoor Music – click map above to set region Tue 5/28 Wed 5/29 Thu 5/30 Fri 5/31 Sat 6/1 Sun 6/2 Mon 6/3 Tue 6/4
Downtown Boston Brass strolling musiciansBoston, MA

12-2pm.
Downtown Crossing more
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Club Passim Summer Concert SeriesCambridge, MA

12-1pm.
47 Palmer St. more
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Sunday Jazz Brunch on the TerraceBoston, MA

11am.
more
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Summer Music Series in Norman Leventhal ParkBoston, MA

12-2pm.
Post Office Square, 617-482-2139. more
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Outdoor Concert at the Sampas PavillionLowell, MA

Mondays 7pm.
Sampas Pavilion more
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Family Concert Series at West SpringfieldWest Springfield, MA

7-8:30pm, except 7/4.
Various more
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Summer Concert Series at StorrowtonSpringfield, MA

7pm.
Gazebo on Storrowton Village Green, 413-263-3284. more
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Sunday Night Concerts at WestfieldWestfield, MA

6-8pm except 7/7.
Stanley Park more
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Musical Moments In Amelia’s GardenWestfield, MA

Tuesdays 6:30pm.
21 South Broad Street more
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Coop Concerts & MoreGreenfield, MA

6-8pm.
Greenfield Energy Park, 413-774-9949. more
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Ocean Beach Park Music SeriesNew London, CT

Variety of cruise nights, magic, live music.
Ocean Beach Park more
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Music on the GreenSouthington, CT

7pm.
Downtown Southington more
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Summer Concerts at IvesDanbury, CT

6pm.
Ives Concert Park, 43 Lake Avenue Extension more
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Summer Concerts at the Sherman Green GazeboFairfield, CT

Opening 3:00pm – July/Aug 7pm – Aug15-Aug29 6:30pm.
Sherman Green Gazebo more
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Keene Music FestivalKeene, NH

Various times.
more
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Downtown Crossing Block PartiesBoston, MA

5-8pm.
Downtown Crossing more
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