FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2022
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN AS MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN KICKS OFF ON FRIDAY, JULY 8
The seventh season of Music on Meetinghouse Green returns with a performance by the John Baboian Ensemble in a free Friday evening concert at the corner of Middle and Church Streets, July 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Free-will donations will support the concert’s featured local non-profit partner Pathways for Children. Pathways for Children nurtures children and supports families impacted by economic and social inequity through programs that educate, enrich, empower, and motivate. The evening’s food vendor is the Causeway.
The concert will feature the John Baboian Sextet with vocalist Sandi Bedrosian. Bedrosian is well known as a lead vocalist and director in a wide range of musical styles and has opened for some of today’s hottest stars. She has performed coast to coast and throughout Europe and her repertoire includes musical productions, theater, and opera.
Well known as an accomplished guitarist and composer in jazz and swing circles, John Baboian is equally at home in the classical, blues, rock, R&B, Latin, and world music traditions. He has performed all over the world and has shared the stage with a who’s who of music industry legends. His work has been featured on a number of popular television series and more than 20 recordings. As an educator for more than 40 years, Baboian has inspired and trained a generation of aspiring musicians. An audience favorite, Baboian and his ensemble, several of whom are fellow faculty members from the Berklee College of Music, have traditionally opened the Music on Meetinghouse Green series.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Now entering its seventh season, Music on Meetinghouse Green features nine free Friday evening concerts from July 8 to September 9. Performances are held on the Green and feature great music, favorite foods from local vendors, and a different North Shore non-profit organization featured each week through free-will donations from the audience. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Some chairs will be provided and audience members are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Picnic with delicious local food from our vendors or bring your own. Performances are handicapped accessible and parking on the Green is limited to persons with disabilities.
ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors, many of whom have contributed since the series’ first year, all of the season’s expenses for musicians and logistics are fully paid making it possible for 100% of audience donations to go directly to our non-profit partners.
For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.