Hillyer Festival Orchestra returns to Maudslay Arts Center on Saturday Evening
Enjoy the Boston Pops-like atmosphere of The Hillyer Festival Orchestra this Saturday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. at Maudslay Arts Center (MAC), and come back on Sunday at 2 p.m. for Boston-based singer-songwriter Liz Frame & the Kickers.
The Hillyer Festival Orchestra presents orchestra and vocal music from the best of opera, Broadway, film, and Big Band literature in a fun, Boston Pops-like atmosphere, including sing-a-longs, educational comments, funny anecdotes and superlative entertainment.
This special Maudslay Arts Center concert will feature soloists Yeghishe Manucharyan and Rebecca Robbins.
Tenor Yeghishe Manucharyan is known all over the world having performed at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Opera Boston, Boston Concert Opera, Teatro San Carlo of Naples in Italy, Wexford Festival in Ireland, and Caramoor International Music Festival, just to name a few.
Coloratura soprano Rebecca Robbins is both a singer and actress, performing on Broadway in “The Phantom of The Opera” for almost three years, before touring North America for almost two years. She also toured as opera diva Carlotta Guidicelli, performing at The Kennedy Center, San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre and Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre.
The Hillyer Festival Orchestra has entertained thousands of people at Boston’s Esplanade Hatch Shell Series. Pleasing the audience with familiar favorites and bringing to light special new compositions by American composers, don’t miss entertaining pops director Dirk Hillyer and his Festival Orchestra.
For music performed with seemingly nonstop energy and enthusiasm, come back on Sunday afternoon for Liz Frame and her band, The Kickers. Some critics have compared her singing to Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt, while others have noted similarities in her songwriting to the work of Dolly Parton and Lucinda Williams.
Weaned on the music of her parents’ generation, absorbing the influence of their heartland heroes — immortal and iconic artists like Jimmie Rogers, The Weavers, B.B. King and Elvis Presley — her music of choice is honest, unbridled Americana.
Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) Summer Concert Series has something for every musical taste from Big Band to jazz, from opera to bluegrass, from country to the Great American Songbook, and it’s all right here in your own backyard – Maudslay State Park.
After a brief hiatus for Yankee Homecoming, MAC continues its 26th Anniversary season with returning MAC favorites Hillyer Festival Orchestra, Liz Frame & the Kickers, Don Campbell Band, Bobby Keyes Trio, and Donna Byrne.
New this year is Danielle Miraglia. On July 21, Miraglia performed a solo opening for The Mystix Unplugged and on Aug. 19, she will perform with her band Danielle M and The Glory Junkies.
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.
Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and include: Hillyer Festival Orchestra on Aug. 11, Don Campbell Band on Aug. 18, and Bobby Keyes Trio on Aug. 25.
Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m. and include: Liz Frame & the Kickers on Aug. 12, Danielle M and The Glory Junkies on Aug. 19, and jazz vocalist Donna Byrne on Aug. 26.
MAC is a popular cultural and entertainment destination that has served tens of thousands of patrons since its founding 26 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. However, from mid-May through mid-October, it is also a popular setting for special events such as weddings, corporate functions, educational activities, reunions, and more.
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. As you enjoy this beautiful mini-Tanglewood, become part of our vision. MAC welcomes your financial support, your gift of time or expertise to maintain the buildings.
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. DCR ParksPass parking passes are available for most Massachusetts state parks, including Maudslay State Park. For further information, go to www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-parking-pass-for-massachusetts-state-parks. Seniors who are Massachusetts residents can buy a lifetime pass for just $10.
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.
Saturday performances start at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. Patio seating (tables and chairs) is $30. Groups of four or more are $25 each. Lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) also is $25. 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 978-499-0050. Children 12 and under are free.
For the complete summer schedule, to purchase tickets online, or for further information about the performers, visit the MAC website www.maudslayartscenter.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the gate (cash or check only) or by calling (978) 499-0050. There is no reserved seating. Gift certificates also are available.
The series is supported by The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, dedicated MAC volunteers and patrons, and the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Saturday evening performances are funded in part by The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank.