Music To Ring Out In Harwich This Summer

 HARWICH – There will be music in the streets and in the parks this summer, from the popular Port Summer Nights to weekly band concerts in Brooks Park.

 The Harwich Town Band will open the season on Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. in Brooks Park and will play at that time each Tuesday through Aug. 26. The band is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

 The select board on Monday approved a proclamation declaring July 1 as Harwich Town Band Day. The band “has served as a cherished cultural institution, bringing joy of music to residents and visitors alike for 50 years,” the proclamation reads. 

 The  free Harwich Cultural Concert Series in Brooks Park kicks off on Monday, June 30. Concerts will be held each Monday through Sept. 1, according to Director of Cultural Affairs Kara Mewhinney. Super Soulshine opens the series.

 “Each week we will welcome a new group at the gazebo at Brooks Park,” said Mewhinney. “Additionally, this year we will be joined by Cape Cones, who will be there with some icy treats and hot eats for those looking to purchase snacks during the performance, so bring a blanket, or a chair and come enjoy a night at Brooks Park. Bring your dancing shoes, the family and even your pups.” 

 “The Port Summer Nights are a sure sign that summer is here,” said Harwich Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cyndi Williams. “We are super excited for the 2025 Port Summer Nights lineup. We have many longtime favorites returning, some new bands joining in the fun as well as a young local female vocalist looking forward to her first time with us.” 

 This year is bittersweet, she added, as the series is dedicated to the memory of musician and entertainer Bruce Maclean, who passed away earlier this year. “We will definitely feel the void,” she said.  

Williams said she is asking the bands in the summer lineup to play at least one of Maclean’s favorite songs. She also said The Trio, playing on July 30, will be doing a tribute to Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.

The chamber of commerce coordinates and organizes the hiring of the musicians for the annual nine-week series. Williams said the chamber is grateful to sponsors that fully fund the bands. 

Port Summer Nights gets underway on Wednesday, July 2 at 5 p.m. with four bands playing outside businesses and in parking lots in the village. Opening night bands are the Fred Clayton Trio, Flat Rabbit, VB & The Buzz and Darling.

The bands for Port Summer Nights following the July 2 lineup are The Johns, All Worn Out Jug Band, Techncolor, Salted Folk on July 9; Super Sunshine, Joe Marino, Hayley Labdon, Digny Fignus July 16; Pitchfork, Sara Sneed Power Duo, Saddle up, Northern Lights July 23; Slant 4, Marino Girls, The Trio, RipeTide July 30; Earth Jr,  Flat Rabbit, VB and the Buzz, Sara Sneed Power Duo Aug. 6; Elmore Collins and the Counter Fits, Hey Day, Mr. Grotcha, Bands of Mark’s Music Aug. 13; J. Place and The Rockers, Joe Marino, Technicolor, Amy and Duel Aug. 20; and The Johns, North Country and Kerosene Heater Aug. 27.   

Mewhinney said the concert series in Brooks Park is funded by Cultural District Investment grants provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The lineup for the Harwich Cultural Summer Concert Series begins with Super Soulshine on July 2; J Place and The Rockers July 7; The Rip It Ups July 14; Mozelle Andrulot July 21; The Bands of Mark’s Music July 28; Johnny Spampinato and The Value Leaders Aug. 4; Pitchfork Aug.11; Hey Day Aug. 18; The Kingfish Aug. 25; and Jelly Jazz Quintet Sept. 1.