This year Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) Summer Concert Series will celebrate its 30th Anniversary season with a wonderful line-up of concerts, featuring something for every musical taste from Big Band to jazz, from funk to bluegrass, from country to the Great American Songbook.
“On our 30th anniversary, it’s time to reflect,” said MAC Director Nicholas C. Costello. “We are thankful to all those people who have made Maudslay Arts Center a reality over the years, especially our volunteer staff and our sponsors.
“As always, we thank you, our patrons, for your support. We have another great season lined up for you with many new acts and returning favorites.”
Whether you’re sitting under the stars on a moonlit evening, or lounging on a blanket on a Sunday afternoon, the Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure.
“We continue to make upgrades and improvements,” Costello said, “and as a result there is not a bad place to sit at Maudslay. On the lawn, patio or inside the concert venue, the acoustics are wonderful.”
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include Don Campbell Band on July 8, Mile Twelve on July 15, New Black Eagle Jazz Band on July 22, Mike Monaghan Quintet on July 29, and Acoustic Roadshow on Aug. 12.
Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include BT ALC Big Band on July 9, Gray Sargent Trio on July 16, jazz vocalist Donna Byrne on July 23, and Bobby Keyes Trio on Aug. 13.
MAC is a popular cultural and entertainment destination that has served tens of thousands of patrons since its founding 31 years ago in 1992. Situated in a picturesque corner of the 442-acre Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, MAC is best known for its outstanding summer concert series.
It all started back in 1985, when Nicholas J. Costello with the help of other environmentally conscious state legislators realized the purchase of the 500-plus acre Moseley estate by The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts. The purchase effectively saved the property from private developers waiting in the wings to buy this amazing tract of land on the Merrimack River, full of trails and gardens and home to thousands of species of plants.
In 1993, three men of vision were granted a special permit by the state Dept. of Environmental Management. Former Senator Nicholas J. Costello, former Mayor Edward Molin and E. James Gaines pooled their ideas, expertise and capital to create the Maudslay Arts Center, MAC.
From the rubble and decay of an area known as the “the farmyard” the trio designed and built a 1600 sq. ft. performance stage, the lynchpin of an area that forms a natural bowl consisting of the patio area for chairs and tables seating 200. An adjacent lawn area nestled under the trees accommodates an additional 200.
Since its beginning, MAC continues to operate through the effort of volunteers. All costs are offset by gate receipts, rentals for special occasions, and donations from patrons and businesses. No tax dollars are involved.
Maudslay Arts Center is located at 95 Curzon Mill Road, Maudslay State Park, Newburyport MA 01950. The concerts are held rain or shine, moving to the indoor performance hall adjacent to the patio when weather dictates.
“There’s never a ‘rain out’ at Maudslay Arts Center,” Nicholas C. Costello said. “We just go inside.”
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, which can be casual or as elaborate as a gourmet meal with tablecloth and flowers and whatever suits the patron’s fancy. Delicious desserts such as seasonal cobblers, brownies, and Hodgie’s ice cream, and cold beverages may be purchased during intermission, all served by dedicated MAC volunteers, who continue to make this non-profit series happen.
“We want to say ‘thank you’ to the volunteer staff,” Nicholas C. Costello said, “who continue to maintain the flowers, the grounds, and help to facilitate concerts.
“Without our sponsors and volunteers and their commitment to Maudslay, we could not continue to do what we do. We also want to thank the State of Massachusetts for their continuing partnership and the wonderful work they do maintaining the 442 acres of this beautiful estate.”
Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Patio seating (tables and chairs) is $35 while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $30. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $20 with open seating on the patio and lawn. Tables and chairs are provided on the patio. Special group rates may be arranged by calling (978) 388-2552. Children 12 and under are free.
“Summer is just a brief season here in New England,” Nicholas C. Costello said, “so come out and enjoy wonderful music at affordable prices in a spectacular natural setting.”
For the complete summer schedule, to purchase tickets online, or for further information about the performers, visit the MAC website at www.maudslayartscenter.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the gate (check or cash only) or by calling (978) 388-2552. There is no reserved seating. Gift certificates also are available.
The series is operated and supported by dedicated volunteers, private donors, ticket sales and rentals, and the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Additional support provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and its local chapters in Newburyport, Rowley, Groveland, Georgetown, Newbury, West Newbury, Amesbury, Merrimac, and Salisbury.
