Greater Gardner gearing up for fun summer concerts - see who's playing and where

Stephen Landry, The Gardner News
Updated ·4 min read
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There’s music in the air around Greater Gardner – at least there soon will be.

Several communities will be hosting a series of summer concerts, with musical acts ranging from Billy Joel and Beatles tribute bands, country-and-western performers, and popular local favorites.

Expect a rocking start at Monument Park on June 22 as the popular 2024 Gardner Summer Concert Series kicks off the season with Holdin' Back: The 60s, which specializes in recreating the popular tunes from that grooviest of music decades.

Mr. Strickland, a local band named for the principal in “Back to the Future,” will perform classic rock tunes from the 1960s, ‘70s and '80s on June 29.

Country tunes courtesy of The Boothill Express Band, renowned for their tight harmonies and electric stage performances, will take the stage on July 6.

The next performer will take the stage at a different location. Dave Malouin, who specializes in country, oldies and rock classics, will be performing downtown at the city’s seventh annual Food Truck Festival on July 13.

On July 20, Ashbrook, which describes its music as “American roots,” will perform at Monument Park.

Gold Dust Refugee, a tribute band dedicated to the music of Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac, will go their own way to entertain the crowd on July 27.

The Remedy, featuring Rob Gale and Jody Thompson, will play their unique brand of blues, country and classic rock on Aug. 3.

A splendid time is guaranteed for all when the Beatles tribute 4Ever Fab take the stage on Aug. 10. The Lowell-based group is billed as New England’s premier Beatles tribute band.

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Jumpin’ Juba, a trio that specializes in a unique blend of blues, jazz and folk, is scheduled to perform on Aug. 17.

And local favorite The Big Random, the high-energy classic rock cover band that aims to recreate the big arena rock concert experience, will close out the season on Aug. 24.

All shows will run from 6 to 8 p.m., except for the final three performances of the season, which will run from 5 to 7 p.m.

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PACC in Gardner

There will be plenty of live music each Friday during the summer Cruise Nights at the Polish American Citizens Club at 171 Kendall Pond in Gardner. Classic cars will arrive between 5 p.m. and dusk, with the music scheduled to begin around 7 p.m.

Danny LeBlanc is scheduled to perform at the PACC in Gardner on Friday, May 24.
Danny LeBlanc is scheduled to perform at the PACC in Gardner on Friday, May 24.

Scheduled to perform this season are:

Winchendon Amphitheater

The schedule is:

May 10 – Billy and the Jets, a tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. 7 p.m., free admission.

June 22 – The Reminisants. 5 p.m., $15 admission.

July 21 – Little Mermen, a rockin’ Disney tribute band. 2 p.m., $10 admission.

July 27 – Comedy Night. An 18+ show. 7 p.m., $15 admission.

Aug. 24 – Anderson Daniels. Country music. 7 p.m., $15 admission.

Sept. 21 – Celebrate being halfway to St. Patrick’s Day with Slainte, Boston’s premier Celtic music band (featuring two members from Winchendon). 7 p.m., $10 admission.

The Snowbound Club in Winchendon

The show at the Snowbound Club on May 18 must go on, but it will do so without the much-anticipated farewell performance from local favorite Black Diamond. According to member William Ladeau, the band recently dissolved and thus won’t be performing at the event.

“I’m now the only original member left standing (literally) and will play drums with Templeton cover band Plead the 5th on a couple songs,” Ladeau said.

Changes to the event, including performers and set times, will be made available soon, according to Ladeau. He said day-of-show ticket prices would be discounted by 50%.

The Big Random will be among the bands playing in several summer concerts in Greater Gardner.
The Big Random will be among the bands playing in several summer concerts in Greater Gardner.

Curtis Rec Field in Hubbardston

Curtis Rec Field will once again be the location for Hubbardston’s Summer Concert Series. All shows are 5 to 8 p.m. with a rain date of the next night. Food will be available for purchase. Admission and parking for all events is free. The schedule is:

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: North Central Mass. summer concerts include tributes to Elvis, Beatles