"Boston’s First Lady of Jazz" Rebecca Parris returns to Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) this Saturday evening, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. MAC is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include: Rebecca Parris on Aug. 14, Grace Kelly Jazz on Aug. 21, and Shirim Klezmer Orchestra on Aug. 28.(Details below)

Parris has performed all over the world with her own groups, as well as with some of jazz's greatest legends, including Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Terry Gibbs, David "Fathead" Newman, Norman Simmons. Harold Jones, Andy Simpkins, Gerry Wiggins, Bill Cunliffe, Red Mitchell, Buster Cooper, Nat Pierce, and many others.

"Rebecca's vocal sound is mature and immensely satisfying," wrote Bruce Crowther of "Jazz Journal International." "She delivers lyrics with care and affection, with wit and flair, and her phrasing is exemplary."

Then come back to Maudslay Arts Center on Sunday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. for An Afternoon of Celtic Music and Dance. When the dancers of the Thomas Bracken School of Irish Dance take to the stage, everyone will be swept away by the rhythms of the Emerald Isle.

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.

Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: 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 Web site. 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.

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