MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Whether you're sitting under the stars on a moonlit evening, or lounging on a blanket on a Sunday afternoon, the Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure. See the summer 2014 schedule here on SeacaostNH.com. (Click title for more) 

Celebrating its 22^nd season, the MAC performance schedule offers something for everyone, including the “pops” refrains of the Hilliard Festival Orchestra, the classical Aeterna Trio, Boston’s First Lady of Jazz Rebecca Parris, foot-stompin’ country with Don Campbell, the chutzpah of the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra, The Shaw Brothers, The Paul Broadnax Quintet, and much more.

The Mystix and Friends will open the 22^nd season on Saturday, July 5, at 7 p.m. The Mystix have been headlining major stages across New England, performing their unique interpretations of the music of rural America, as well as inspired original material. This critically acclaimed roots band is noted for impeccable musicianship as well as soulful, spirited and lighthearted performances,

The following Saturday, July 12, is a change of pace with The Hillyer Festival Orchestra, committed to offering the highest quality classics and “pops” musical standards in a professional symphony concert format to audiences of all ages.

Orchestra and vocal music from the best of Broadway, film, and Big-Band literature will be presented in a fun, Boston Pops-like atmosphere, including sing-alongs, educational comments, funny anecdotes and superlative entertainment.  Effort is given to pleasing the audience with familiar favorites by American composers.

Aeterna Trio will close the season on Sunday, Aug. 24. New to the Maudslay Arts Center, Aeterna Trio features Ben Brikbeck on piano, Andy Happel on violin and Devon Colella on cello playing original music, classical crossover, and beloved themes from all over the world, both re-imagined and reinvented in real-time.                            

Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include:The Mystix and Friends on July 5, The Dirk Hillyer Festival Orchestra on July 12, Rebecca Parris on July 19, Lance Bryant on July 26, The Don Campbell Band on Aug. 9, The Paul Broadnax Quintet on Aug. 16, and Liz Frame and the Kickers on Aug. 23.   

Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: Sixties Invasion on July 13, Shirim Klezmer Band on July 20, The Shaw Brothers on Aug.10, The Hal McIntyre Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra on Aug.17, and Aeterna Trio on Aug. 24.                 Maudslay Arts Center is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road in Newburyport. The 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 Hodgie’s 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 $25, while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $20.  Children 12 and under are free.

Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $12 with open seating on the patio and lawn. 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 (cash or check only), or by calling to reserve at (978) 499-0050. Gift certificates also are available.

The series is supported with generous donations and grants from The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and dedicated MAC volunteers and patrons.

The Saturday evening performances are entirely underwritten by The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank. The Sunday afternoon series is supported in part by a donation from The Provident Bank.