New Bedford Summerfest 2012

New Bedford Summerfest 2012

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By Shonna McGrail

Over seventy musicians, more than ninety arts and crafts vendors and dozens of food options.  This description may make you think of a West Coast music extravaganza, or the Newport Folk festival, or perhaps something in a trendy NYC neighborhood.  But you may be pleasantly surprised to hear that you won’t have to drive out of Greater New Bedford to participate in this Summerfest.  Perhaps you are a regular at the Greater New Bedford Summerfest, or this is your first time hearing of it.  Regardless, this is hardly New Bedford’s first year hosting this family friendly and culturally charged three-day festival; July 6-8, 2012 will mark the 17th year of celebrating international folk music and arts at Summerfest.

Summerfest 2012 will kick off on Friday July 6th with a concert featuring Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), Annalivia, and Women in Docs.  For those of you who aren’t folk music aficionados, you may recall Peter, Paul and Mary as major features of the 1960s folk music scene, having recorded the 1969 number one hit, “Leaving on a Jet Plane”.  They were also the performers who recorded the very memorable and often misinterpreted “Puff the Magic Dragon”.  This opening night performance is sure to be a great way to kick off the weekend with, by bringing traditional, contemporary and celtic folk music onto one stage.  Annalivia is bound to bring excitement to the stage with their acoustic Celtic inspired music stylings and the Australian folk-pop band Women in Docs will mix things up with a sound that is reminiscent of the Indigo Girls.  As with all performances throughout the weekend, this first night concert is being held at the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park at 6:30.  Tickets are $15 for Friday’s concert and can be purchased at http://www.newbedfordsummerfest.com/friday.html.

2012 New Bedford Summerfest
July 6-8, 2012 will mark the 17th year of celebrating international folk music and arts at Summerfest.

On Saturday and Sunday the festivities will commence at 11 AM and continue until 9 PM with a full day of music on multiple stages as well as arts, crafts and food vendors.  One thing that makes the Greater New Bedford Summerfest exceptional are what they call “workshops”.  While this may call to mind the image of a dry lecture or seminar, that is not the case at all.  These workshops are essentially jam sessions where musicians with different styles come together on stage to perform something truly unique to the moment.  For music lovers, this type of creative expression is a rare treat, and something that makes Summerfest stand out amongst many other summer music festivals.

In addition to the versatile quality of the music provided by Summerfest, this event also offers an explosion of creativity when it comes to visual arts and crafts.  Artists and craftsmen of all types can be found lining the streets of the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park selling everything from handmade jewelry to musical instruments to toys… and much, much more.  The arts and crafts found at Summerfest are made by both locals and artists ranging from coast to coast.  Based on the sheer number of vendors and the wide variety of products you are sure to find something you love at the Artisan’s Market or the International Bazaar.

No festival is complete without food and drink, and Summerfest is no exception.  2012 drink vendors include a Beer and Wine Garden for adults, and for food you will find Captain Clamcakes on hand for some seafood snacks as well as an ice cream truck for a cool treat.  Of course, since you will be downtown New Bedford, there is hardly a shortage of amazing restaurants to sit down in for a meal or to grab some takeout from.  Summerfest is a one of a kind opportunity to bring your family out to indulge in a day of quality music, arts and crafts and a delicious dinner.  The Summerfest website offers some recommendations if you should decide to eat at a downtown restaurant (http://www.newbedfordsummerfest.com/food.html), and of course, New Bedford Guide has some wonderful local restaurant reviews to help you make your decision!

As mentioned previously, tickets to Friday night’s concert are $15.  Tickets for Saturday are $20 and Sunday is also $20 for admission.  However, if you’re hoping to make a weekend out of it you can buy the weekend pass for $30.  Children under twelve are free, which is yet another reason why Summerfest is great for families. Nevertheless, young or old you will find that Summerfest is a unique and memorable way to spend Independence Day weekend!

About SRyan

The South Coast has been my home since I came to UMD in 2005. I have worked and lived in NB, and now live in Westport. With a Master's in public relations I have worked as a consultant, and as a professor. I love trying new foods, writing, watching movies (and football!), traveling, listening to a wide array of music, and of course, I <3 the South Coast.

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2 comments

  1. I cannot wait to check out the talents! Never been but am looking forward to attending this year! Thanks for the heads up! 😉

    • this yr was my first- it was AWESOME.
      when the one lady played her elctric guitar with a violin bow!
      my jaw DRPPED and STAYED there-
      such talent

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