“Gray Sargent Meets The Rhythm Section” will perform at Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) on Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m. followed by vocalist Donna Byrne on Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mike Monaghan is unable to perform at Maudslay Arts Center on Saturday, July 18 as scheduled. Taking his place will be “Gray Sargent Meets The Rhythm Section” featuring jazz guitarist Gray Sargent. Joining Sargent will be Marshall Wood on bass, Ben Cook on piano, and George Darrah on drums.
Sargent and Wood were members of Tony Bennett’s Rhythm Section. Sargent was a member of the Tony Bennett Quartet for 24 years, from 1997 to 2021, including Bennett’s final performances with Lady Gaga. Cook and Darrah have played with the Boston Pops.
MAC favorite Donna Byrne has opened for such performers as Lou Rawls, Bob Newhart and was invited by Tony Bennett to open for him on his national tour.
“Peoples! Heads up! Pay attention!” wrote Cadence Magazine. “This is one fine Jazz Vocalist!!”
This summer’s line-up of concerts, features something for every musical taste from Big Band to jazz, from funk to bluegrass, from folk music and country to the Great American Songbook. A special event this summer will be Academy Award winning folk/blues singer, guitarist and songwriter Chris Smither on Sunday, Aug. 2.
“Smither is an excellent acoustic guitarist and first-rate foot-stomper,” wrote The Associated Press. His music draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, and modern poets and philosophers.
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. including Gray Sargent Meets The Rhythm Section on July 18, Tom DiMenna’s Story Songs of the 70’s, on July 25, Ken Clark Organ Trio on Aug 1, and Breakin’ Strings on Aug. 8.
Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. including Bobby Keyes Trio on July 12, Donna Byrne on July 19, Chris Smither on Aug. 2, The Mystix Unplugged with Danielle Miraglia on Aug. 9, and Alex Lee-Clark and The 8tet on Aug. 16.
Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Patio seating (tables and chairs) is $40 while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $35. Children 12 and under are free.
Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m. General admission is $30 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.
The Chris Smither Concert on Sunday, Aug. 2, is a special event. General admission is $45. The first 100 tickets sold are guaranteed seats in the performance hall in case of rain.
“Summer is just a brief season here in New England,” MAC Director 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 in mid-June. Tickets also may be purchased at the gate (check, cash or Venmo only) or by calling (978) 388-2552. There is no reserved seating, but large groups will be accommodated with advance notice. Gift certificates also are available. MAC participates in the MCC Card to Culture Program.
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). Saturday evening concerts are supported by The Newburyport Bank.