David Benjamin, the Summer Music Director for the City of Gloucester announces The Antonio Gentile Bandstand 2026 Summer Concert Series. He offers eight free concerts beginning on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 6:30pm with the Cape Ann Big Band and ending on August 30, 6:30pm with The Continentals. This year marks the fortieth season of concerts at the bandstand.
On Father’s Day, June 15, 1986, The Herb Pomeroy Band played the Inaugural concert of the Antonio Gentile Bandstand. The bandstand was completed in 1986, to honor Anthony “Tony” Gentile, who had been the Director of the Gloucester High School Band for many years. His former students raised funds to build the bandstand. The Cape Ann Savings Bank sponsored that first concert and went on to sponsor other concerts over the forty year span of free public concerts at the bandstand.
A highlight of the 2026 season will be the Cape Ann Community Band “American Music; 250 Years Strong” program. Director David Benjamin plans to highlight America’s most important music beginning with William Billings’ “Chester”, the first popular American Revolution song. The concert will feature all of the uniquely American forms of music in our two hundred fifty year history; Marches, Dixieland, Swing, Jazz, American musicals, Rock & Roll and more. The concert is sponsored by Bank Gloucester and the Gloucester Cultural Council.
The concert series is held at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand, Stage Fort Park, Hough Avenue, Gloucester. All concerts begin at 6:30pm.. The Gloucester Rotary Club helps maintain the bandstand and its landscaping. The concerts are ninety minutes in length. The rain dates for the Sunday concerts are the following Wednesday evening at 6:30pm.
The 2026 series will also feature the return of the Compaq Big Band, the Continentals, 4Ever Fab, Horizon, the Jantelles and Martin and Kelly, Country Western Favorites.
Benjamin encourages all to attend. “Fantastic music overlooking the outer harbor; glorious sunsets; schooners sailing by; it doesn’t get any better than this in Gloucester!”
All programs are subject to change. Admission and Parking are free. Restrooms are ADA accessible. Bring a chair or blanket.
2026 Antonio Gentile Bandstand Schedule
July 12, 2026, 6:30pm Cape Ann Big Band; Jazz
July 19, 2026, 6:30pm Horizon and the Horns
July 26, 2026, 6:30pm 4Ever Fab; Beatles tribute
Aug 02, 2026, 6:30pm Compaq Big Band; Jazz
Aug 09. 2026, 6:30pm The Jantelles, Vintage Rock & Roll
Aug 16. 2026, 6:30pm Martin & Kelly; Country
August 22 (Sat). 2026, 6:30pm Cape Ann Community Band;
August 30. 2026, 6:30pm Continentals; Rock & Roll
For concert information please visit www.DavidLBenjamin.com or telephone 978-281-2286
Photo by Carl Wycoff
Good Morning Gloucester 