Jazz Singer Amanda Carr and Sax-Man Elan Trotman Perform at Maudslay Arts Center this Saturday

Multi-styled vocalist and pianist Amanda Carr brings the Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) 2019 Summer Concert Series to a jazz-filled finale this Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. With sax-man Elan Trotman at her side, Carr concludes a season that featured something for every musical taste from Big Band to jazz, from opera to bluegrass, from country to the Great American Songbook. It was a very good year.

A MAC favorite, Amanda Carr has performed and recorded in the U.S. and abroad. Twice a feature story by respected author Nat Hentoff in The Wall Street Journal, she garnered global exposure as he hailed her, “…a true jazz singer in a time of wannabes.”

With five jazz vocal recordings, global distribution and airplay, Carr continues to perform as a solo artist while remaining a popular guest artist. She has been a vocalist with Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, Harry James Band and the Glenn Miller Orchestra and with Michael Feinstein in concert.

Joining her on the MAC stage will be sax-man Elan Trotman, one of the fastest rising stars in jazz with over 10 Billboard topping radio singles in his young career. Trotman’s latest release pays tribute to Motown Legend Marvin Gaye. Trotman brings a blend of smooth and tropical grooves to major festivals and cruises worldwide.

In addition to a successful solo career, the Berklee College of Music graduate has also worked as a side-man with some of the biggest names in the biz including Roberta Flack, Jeffrey Osborne, Johnny Gill, Peabo Bryson, Michael Mcdonald, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E and Earl Klugh.

Sports fans may recognize Trotman as a regular National Anthem performer for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics.

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 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, while lawn seating (bring your own chairs or blankets) is $25. Children 12 and under are free.

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.

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.

While you’re there, buy a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win a beautiful Les Paul Epiphone guitar, personally autographed by many of the 2019 Summer Concert Series musicians.

On Oct. 28, 2018, a large maple tree cracked during a coastal windstorm and fell right through the roof of the Maudslay Arts Center (MAC) Concert Barn causing extensive damage, which was not covered by insurance. Although many loyal supporters sent checks to assist in the repairs, there remains much to do.

“We have been repairing the damage caused by the October storm,” MAC vice president Cynthia Costello said, “while at the same time working on necessary capital improvements, including painting, replacing exterior shingles, updating the sound and lighting systems, and building a small indoor stage for performers. Your purchase of one raffle ticket – or more – will assist us in this important endeavor.”

Raffle tickets may be purchased at the concerts or at Coastal Connections, 35 Water St., Amesbury, or mail a check payable to “MAC” to MAC Raffle/Costello, 182 Whitehall Road Amesbury MA 01913. Be sure to include your name, address, and telephone number. The winning ticket will be announced at the Amanda Carr concert on Aug. 17. This fundraiser supported by Coastal Connections, Inc.

For an up-to-date concert information, 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 978-499-0050. There is no reserved seating. Gift certificates also are available.

The series is supported by The Newburyport Bank, dedicated MAC volunteers and patrons, and the staff of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Saturday evening performances are sponsored by The Newburyport Bank.