The North Shore Concert Band Salem Willows Summer Concert Series begins on Tuesday June 25, at 7 p.m. at the Robert Hayes Concert Shell at Salem Willows in Salem.
Band Director David Benjamin hosts the opening program of “Maritime Music”. The 2024 series ends with a tribute to our war veterans “Vietnam 50th Anniversary Concert,” on Tuesday, July 30. In between are four exciting free concerts.
The 2024 North Shore Concert Band season offers a special Salem Willows Neighborhood July 4, 1 p.m. concert conducted by Willows resident and band member Robert Chadwick. He will conduct a Patriotic program of audience favorites.
A highlight of the season will be the “Barbie, Ken and Taylor Swift”, July 23 concert featuring vocalist Alexandra Grace and the students of her Rockport music studio singing Taylor Swift tunes from the Era’s tour and tunes form the Barbie movie. The audience is encouraged to wear pink to celebrate Barbie; bring your Barbie doll and friendship bracelets. “Be prepared to sing along! The entire program is to be music from Taylor Swift and the Barbie movie!” said David Benjamin, who is also the conductor of the band.
Vietnam veterans are encouraged to attend the July 30 Vietnam 50th Anniversary Concert; a musical tribute to the service of our local veterans. “This concert will feature music honoring our Vietnam vets, men and women and it’s a chance for us to say Thank You,” said Music Director and Conductor David Benjamin. “Please encourage your veterans to attend. It’s all about them and their service.”
This year the band features three conductors. Guest conductor Peter Cokkinias has taught at Tufts University, the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. He is also Manager/performer in the Boston Saxophone Quartet. Guest Conductor Bob Chadwick is a retired Music educator who is active playing with Big Bands, pit orchestras and plays in the Boston Saxophone Quartet. When he’s not playing music, you’ll find him sailing his Cape Dory 30. David Benjamin is the Music Director of the North Shore Concert Band and The Cape Ann Community Band. He is a concert promoter on the North Shore, a retired music educator and a retired orchestra manager.
Dr. Ana Guigui will be the featured soloist in “The American Songbook” concert, July 9, conducted by Mr. Cokkinias. She has a 35-year career as a professional artist, including Broadway national tours and Off-Broadway performances. She is a keyboardist and vocalist for Christopher Cross and other Grammy award winning artists.
The North Shore Concert Band is comprised of professional musicians from the greater North Shore area. Salem musicians have performed annually at Salem Willows since the park opened in 1858.
The North Shore Concert Band was formed in the 1930’s and has played at Salem Willows ever since. The free concerts are sponsored in part by The Musicians Performance Trust Fund, The City of Salem Trust Fund, The Salem Willows Merchants, area businesses and individual sponsors.
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Parking is free, restrooms are handicap accessible, and the audience is encouraged to bring a chair and a picnic lunch (carry–in—carry-out). Rain dates are the following Thursday evening at 7 p.m. Location: Robert Hayes Concert Shell at Salem Willows, Salem, MA.
For concert information, please contact David Benjamin, 978-281-2286 email: David@DavidLBenjamin.com
For notification of band concert postponements, please register HERE.
