Arts Festival week is underway and the popular Concerts @ Crocker Park music series starts tonight at 6 p.m.
This year’s lineup features 20 acts over four nights and three days, July 2-5. (Check out the schedule HERE.)
The headliner is the Adam Ezra Group, which will perform on July 4, just before the fireworks. The band is most famous for its hit “The Devil Came Up to Boston.”
“He’s an amazing performer,” said Concerts @ Crocker organizer Brian Wheeler about Ezra. “He’s one of those galvanizing musicians who can reach any type of audience and excite them.”
Wheeler said this year’s series includes a little bit of everything, from a French-Canadian acoustic singer to a nine-piece salsa and Latin jazz band. Afternoons will feature young bands and performers from local music schools.
Exhibits, concerts and more events run July 3-6. One last-minute change, according to Rohmer: The photography exhibit is being moved from the Old Town House to the Masonic Hall.
Most fan favorites are returning, including the Literary Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, model boat making and regatta, road races Cods & Whales auction and more.
The Street Festival, organized by volunteer Dave Kinney, is Friday, July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Washington Street and is free and open to all.
“Our event is multifaceted, with activities and entertainment for all ages. We will have a remarkable performing troupe of amazing extraterrestrial aliens, an exceptional mime and a mesmerizing magician,” Kinney said. “Henna, face painting, our caricature artist and balloon tying are very popular activities.”
Cape Ann Vernal Ponds is returning with a collection of live animals. (Last year, the snakes were a big hit!)
Rohmer is especially excited about Art on the Avenue, Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Performers and artists will be there, with blown glass and sea glass jewelry demonstrations. Local retailers will host sidewalk sales, and kids can enjoy donkey rides with Minis with a Mission.
What’s new?
There are a few new events this year.
Festival former president Matt Friedman is planning a pup parade, which he describes as “a dog‐centric celebration featuring a costume contest, photo stations and interactive pet activities.”
The dog event is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 9 a.m-noon, at Green Street Field.
Rohmer is also excited about a community paint-by-number mural project. The 5-foot-by-5-foot final product will hang in Abbot Library. There’s also a new exhibit scavenger hunt for kids.
