Since 1996, the nonprofit Project Arts of Plymouth has produced free Wednesday evening summer concerts on the waterfront at Pilgrim Memorial Park. The series, which started modestly, has grown into a major summer happening, attracting people from all over the region.
If you have ever been to one of the shows, you’ve probably felt a tangible sense of joy in the crowd. The fact that it’s free probably helps. That it is has become a Plymouth summer ritual might be another contributing factor. But there’s more joy behind the scenes.
“The amount of smiles we put on people’s faces gives us a tremendous sense of satisfaction,” says Donna Osborne, Project Arts’s board treasurer. “We have an amazing board and team of volunteers that feel like family. We love the Town of Plymouth. I’ve been volunteering for 21 years, and it’s been one of the best things in my life so far.”
In 1995, the original idea was to produce a few free concerts that would feature local, regional, and national acts. It was built around a small group of artists looking to provide a jolt of energy to Plymouth’s cultural scene. Led by Michael Landers, and organized as a nonprofit, Project Arts concerts have boasted a diverse lineup of musicians over the years, ranging from the late Rick Danko of The Band to The Average White Band to Jonathan Edwards to Livingston Taylor to local performers and a slew of tribute bands, like the Draw the Line (a homage to the just-retired Aerosmith).
Currently in the midst of a 13-week-long season, Project Arts Plymouth runs on a volunteer board of seven and six more volunteers who help each week. Fundraising is the biggest challenge. Even with support from the town’s Visitors Services Board, local businesses, individual donations, and fundraising events like each show’s weekly raffle, collecting money is a year-round event. With a budget of only $80,000, Projects Arts is getting a bang for its bucks.
There are additional benefits beyond the music and goodwill. The concerts put heads in beds and diners in restaurants on Wednesday nights, boosting the local economy.
For the musicians, it’s a chance to play before an enthusiastic audience in a scenic setting. “We take great pride in exposing people to music they never heard before, giving artists new audiences and supporting up and coming bands like the Elovaters,” Osborne said.
Project Arts concerts start at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Aug. 14 show will feature 3rd Left with the Fey Band. For more information, go here.
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August 14
3rd Left with the Fey Band will headline this week’s Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. Read more about the series above.
August 15
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront. From 7 to 9 p.m. at 79 Water St.
August 16
Pilgrim Progress, a reenactment of the Pilgrims’ Sabbath procession to worship starts at 6 p.m. at the Mayflower Society House at 4 Winslow St. Participants, dressed in period costumes representing the survivors of the winter of 1621, proceed through town. The event is free. For more information, go here.
The Spire Center presents Larry McCray for a night of blues, rock, and soul. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32 and you can get them here.
August 17
Plimoth Patuxet Museums will hold its Green Corn Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event will feature programming and educational activities for guests of all ages. “For many indigenous communities, corn is the central heartbeat,” Plimoth Patuxet said in a press release. “The initial ripening of corn is known as green corn. During the green corn harvest, Wampanoag people observe important rituals to give thanks to the Creator and celebrate with feasting and dance.’ The event will include Wampanoag games and toys, a garden and flora tour, corn husk doll making, a regalia talk, and a clay bead workshop. For more information, go here.
The Spire presents Hey Nineteen, a Steely Dan tribute band. This New England based 11-piece band keenly mimics the notably difficult Steely Dan sound. In other words, they do it again. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and you can get them here.
Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., presents John Waterman’s Live Music Making History Live. Using music to inspire an interest in history, Waterman will explore “A Journey through the Roots of American Popular Music” in the belief that celebrating history brings individuals together as a community. This is event is free and begins at 2 p.m. For more information, go here.
August 18
The Rebels and Rods car show takes place every Sunday morning in the parking lot of East Bay Grille at 173 Water St., from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting. This is a family and pet-friendly event.
August 21
Wut It Iz will headline this week’s Project Arts free concert at Pilgrim Memorial Park on the waterfront. This six-piece dance band plays funk, disco, rock classics, and current dance hits. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and it’s free.
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary. At this weekly hour-and-a-half event, you can find out about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration during a two-mile hike. You will get to see the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species. No registration required. Meet at 60 Beaver Dam Road at 10 a.m.
See Plymouth’s Friday’s Live Music on Shirley Square continues with Just Two Guys, performing outside at 4 North St. between 4 and 6 p.m. This event is free. For more information, go here.
August 22
The Spire presents Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. This rock and blues band with a legendary horn section has released more than 30 albums over the last 48 years and is known for its high energy performances. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $99 and you can get them here.
L. Knife & Son hosts the free Thursday Concert Series at the Pilgrim Memorial Park Amphitheater on Plymouth’s waterfront, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 79 Water St.
August 23
The Spire presents Spyro Gyra: 50th Anniversary. This well-regarded pop-jazz band has released more than 30 albums and performed more than 10,000 concerts. Tickets are $70 and you can get them here.