One of the highlights of the Arts Festival is the Concerts @ Crocker Park series, featuring live music over several days.
“We have 16 acts over four nights and three days,” said Brian Wheeler, the Festival’s performing arts chair. “There are over 75 different performers with all different styles of music. That’s one of the tenets of our stewardship. We try to think about all different styles of music, always something a little different.”
Asked about some of his favorite musicians who have performed over the years, Wheeler said, “I couldn’t even…. We’ve had some remarkable musicians over the years.”
Wheeler started an intern program that attracts young people from across the country and beyond.
A musician himself, Wheeler has been involved with Concerts @ Crocker Park since the 1970s. It’s his favorite time of year. He encourages everyone to take advantage of the free concerts and breath-taking venues.
“Bring your blanket, bring your picnic basket. Carve out your spot and come and enjoy,” he said.
“Some of them don’t know what a Marblehead is,” Wheeler said. “They come to this beautiful place and become part of the team.”
Wheeler, his interns and volunteers set up the stage at Crocker starting on July 2.
“We literally build our concert, sound and lights stage from the grass up,” he said.
Here’s a look at the Concerts at Crocker Park lineup.
Wednesday, July 3
6 p.m. Jazz with the Debby Larkin/Jeff Stout Quintet
8 p.m. Latin dance and reggae with Combo Sabroso
Thursday, July 4
11:30 a.m.-noon Classic rockers Squall House
12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. Marblehead School of Music
2 p.m. Indie alt rock band River Sang Wild
6 p.m. Pop funk with The Far Out
8 p.m. 10-piece Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket band with R&B, funk and soul
This evening will also feature the traditional singing of the national anthem (by ‘Header Christina Easthope), along with the harbor illumination and fireworks.
Friday, July 5
Noon Obscure Notation with jazz/fusion
2 p.m. The Gus Percy Band with R&B
6 p.m. Blue Tomorrow with indie/folk rock
8 p.m. Soul Rebel Project with reggae
Saturday, July 6
Noon Norwood/Natick School of Rock
2 p.m. The Christine Lucas Band with rock/soul
6 p.m. The Jorgan Quartet with jazz and blues
8 p.m. The Squeeze Box Stompers with Cajun/zydeco
Learn more at marbleheadfestival.org/performingarts.
