July 6th Begins Concerts on the Grass

By David Dunbar

“Concerts on the Grass” begins its annual run in Bellingham with a performance on July 6th, followed by the three Wednesdays thereafter.

The concerts, which also run in Mendon, are organized and performers paid by ABMI – Access Bellingham-Mendon Inc. and can be seen on Cable 8 in Bellingham.

Started in the 1990’s, “The series was going when I arrived at the station in 2000,” says Steve Saraceno, “and it’s my job to keep it going.” He’s the publicity director. “It has been quite a run!” 

“The concert series has become a summertime fixture in Bellingham,” says Town Clerk Lawrence Sposato, “giving residents the opportunity to relax and enjoy musical and other types of entertainment under the open skies.  At the same time, the concerts allow for the showcasing of local talents.”  

Here’s the schedule:

• July 6, 6 p.m. – Kids Night with Wayne Potash and Trevor the Games Man.  (No pony rides tonight).  

• July 13, 6 p.m. – Free pony rides.  7 p.m. Morse Code (classic rock).  Opening Act: The Wild Beyond (classic rock).

• July 20, 6 p.m. – Free pony rides.  7 p.m. Vinyl Echo (80’s rock).

• July 27, 6 p.m. – Free pony rides.  7 p.m. Jesse Liam Band (contemporary rock).

“We tape each concert,” explains Saraceno, “and will rebroadcast the Wednesday show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”  The archives section of the website contains concerts from the past and you can check them all out at www.ABMI8.org

ABMI invites local companies to sponsor a concert; the Town Common Trustees often sponsor the first event.  “Concerts on the Grass” is open to all and is free.

“We hope kids will come out for a free pony ride,” says Saraceno, “and everybody can enjoy an evening of music outdoors.”