Back Lot, Big Sound: MusicFest 2025 Delivers Magic by the Harbor

For everyone who turned out for Saturday’s MusicFest in Manchester, it was clear: there are few places better to catch live music on a summer evening than the back lot of Manchester’s Amaral Bailey American Legion Hall. 

That night, the Legion’s rear parking lot was transformed into what felt like the NorthShore’s most exclusive waterfront venue for the annual MBTS MusicFest. And with clear skies overhead and Manchester’s harbor sparkling behind the stage, the setting matched the performances—flawless. 

Now in its fourth year, MusicFest—an evolution of the original “JazzFest”—returned with its best energy yet.  The evening got off on a mellow start, with local favorite Peter Hoare opening with an acoustic set. It was a relaxed and intimate vibe as early guests filtered in, grabbed a seat or set themselves up close to the stage with beach chairs.  Then the night kicked into high gear. First up, The Jambalaya Horns Orchestra lit up the stage with their signature New Orleans-style brass and funk—an irresistible invitation for the crowd to dance under the lights. Then, it was the Glostafarians’ turn, stepping up to get the dance floor humming with an infectious reggae groove that had the crowd swaying well into the night. 

The event, hosted by Back Lot Jams’ John Filias, Greg Cook and Scott Milne, delivered serious entertainment value at just $30 a ticket. (Just one of the evening’s double bill would cost more than that at any other venue!). And, all proceeds benefited the Manchester Fourth of July Parade Committee, helping to fund one of the town’s most beloved annual traditions. 

Food and drink were also on point, thanks to onsite catering by Kettle Cove Catering—run by Manchester’s own Todd Crane—serving up crowd-pleasing bites from the grill.  For all its casual vibe, the event was dialed in from start to finish: expertly lit staging, excellent sound, and a crowd that knew they were part of something special. If you didn’t make it this year, mark your calendar now.

MusicFest has quickly become a can’t miss Manchester summer tradition.  If you’re one of the few who missed it, don’t make that mistake next year.