Free Outdoor Concert Series at Stage Fort Park

Kicks Off With

North Shore Concert Band’s

American Salute

The 2010 Summer Concert Series returns to the Antonio Gentile Bandstand in Stage Fort Park in Gloucester on Sunday, July 11 at 7 pm with an All American program by the North Shore Concert Band. This free outdoor concert series at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand located in Stage Fort Park on the edge of Gloucester harbor offers a wide range of musical styles to enjoy in the beautiful summer weather with a view of picturesque Gloucester Harbor. Ample free parking is available for the concert series. Restrooms are available to concert goers and Stage Fort Park and the restrooms are handicapped accessible. According to concert series organizer David Benjamin, ‘We are excited to offer seven free concerts of exceptional entertainment in a perfect ocean-side setting. Please join us on the lawn of the Antonio Gentile Bandstand at beautiful Stage Fort Park. You couldn’t ask for a better Sunday evening!’ Concertgoers are urged to bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the concert in comfort. For further information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.davidlbenjamin.com.

The North Shore Concert Band kicks off the series with an exciting flag waving concert conducted by concert series organizer David Benjamin on July 11. The North Shore Concert Band features the resident ensemble of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 126 based in Lynn, MA. This American Salute concert which opens the outdoor concert series on July 11 is dedicated to the memory of Gloucester community leader, musician and music lover John Giacalone. Concert organizer Benjamin points out, ‘John’s service to Gloucester was noteworthy. He was the leader of the Riverdale Drum and Bugle Corps for many years. An active GHS band member under Tony Gentile, John was instrumental in seeing this bandstand built and dedicated to his former Band Director. John then made sure there were many fine concerts held here and that legacy continues with this concert series. John was also very active in the forming of the Gloucester High School ROTC Alumni Band, which held two concerts and marched in Gloucester’s 375th Anniversary Parade. John also served on the Gloucester City Council for many years. He was always interested in helping those in need. We can all imagine John tapping his toes to a brisk march!’

The Summer Concert Series schedule includes country and western favorites the John Penny Band who bring a country flair to the Bandstand on Sunday, July18 at 7 pm; the rhythm and blues rock of Overdrive on Sunday, July 25 at 7 pm ; the jazz sounds of the Compaq Big Band, the internationally acclaimed authentic 20’piece big band on Sunday, August 1 at 7 pm; the rousing sounds of the Soft Touch Dance Band on Sunday August 8 at 7 pm; the Cape Ann Community Band returns on Sunday, August 15 with A Salute to Swing and local favorites, the acoustic bluegrass masters, Old Cold Tater close the Summer Concert Series on Sunday, August 22 at 7 pm.. For further information call 978-281-0543 or visit www.davidlbenjamin.com.