New Bedford to Host Free Concerts on State Pier

This week, Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the City will host a series of free summer concerts on the New Bedford waterfront during the summer months of July and August.  The first of its kind, Summer Sound Series will feature live musical entertainment on State Pier in Downtown New Bedford.  Residents and visitors will dance to the music of local artists, enjoy beverages available for purchase, and relax along New Bedford’s beautiful working waterfront.

Summer Sound Series will consist of seven waterfront concerts.  The first concert of the series will be this Friday, July 12^th from 6pm to 8pm.  Remaining concert dates include: July 19^th, July 26^th, August 9^th, August 16^th, August 23^rd, and August 30^th.

Mayor Mitchell said the transformation of Route 18 into JFK Boulevard has reconnected the city’s vibrant downtown with its waterfront.  “We invite everyone to come to the New Bedford waterfront at the end of the work week to unwind, enjoy live music, and good company,” he said.

The public is invited to bring their chairs and enjoy front row seating to performances by the following bands:

7/12 – Jeff Gobush & Thom Hiller

This virtuoso guitar and vocal duo has been rocking venues all over the South Coast and beyond for years. Hiller’s masterful upside-down guitar playing combines with Gobush’s rich, soulful voice to cover an extensive and eclectic repertoire some of the best rock and soul music ever written.

7/19 – Joaquin Santos & Band
The hottest soul music experience around, Joaquin has been performing with the best of the best in New England. Joaquin, a New Bedford native, will feature some of the finest musicians from Boston to showcase a summer soul night on the pier with R & B, funk and some blues!

7/26 – Ritmo Masacote
A 13 piece Cuban Salsa Orchestra Powerhouse comprised of some of Berklee’s most talented professors/alums/students and NY & Boston’s finest musicians. Many of the members are in their early twenties, but don’t let them fool you. This young, charismatic cast produces commanding presentations full of life, spirit, and contagious energy. The orchestra was created with the purpose to bridge the growing divide between the music and dance genres by making listeners want to move and dancers want to play.

8/9 –Craig DeMelo The Whiskey Poet & Band
The twenty-eight year old has been playing stages from coast-to-coast since 2002. He’s been to every major club in New England, opening for such National Acts as Howie Day, Hootie and the Blowfish, Matchbox 20, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less than Jake, and Griffin House. He’s also had three successful tours in California in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Along the way, he’s written over 80 songs.

8/16 – Living On A Bad Name
National act Bon Jovi tribute that was born right here in New Bedford in 2010. Since then this rock band has risen to a “blue chip” tribute act, having played in 9 states and in over 120 venues. World renowned guitarist Ethan Brosh and former local radio celebrity Ken Pittman lead this fun filled act and encourage audiences to sing and dance stage side all night long.

8/23 – Jammin: A Tribute To Bob Marley
CHRIS WATERS portrays Bob Marley in JAMMIN’: A Tribute To Bob Marley. They are the PREMIERE Bob Marley Tribute worldwide!! You will find NO OTHER band that recreates the sights and sounds of Bob Marley’s 70’s stage performance like JAMMIN’.

8/30 – The J.Kelley Band
A Rock’N’Roll Pop/Rock revelation out of New Bedford, MA. Mixing heartfelt lyrics, sing-a-long choruses, and excellent musicianship with energetic live shows, J.Kelley and the band turn new listeners into instant fans.

Concertgoers are encouraged to continue to enjoy their summer evenings in New Bedford at one of the many fine restaurants that will offer concert night specials.  A full list of participating dining venues is available at destinationnewbedford.org.