Halfway into a busy Summer 2024 season, on Sunday July 28th the Compaq Big Band returns to one *THE* best outdoor concert spots anywhere – the Antonio F. Gentile Bandstand Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park, overlooking spectacular Gloucester Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean!
The show runs 6:30pm-8:00pm and admission is *FREE* – just bring a blanket and/or lawn chair. The bandstand is located at 24 Hough Avenue and has plenty of free parking. We’ve had magical nights on this stage over the years, with some audiences numbering up to several hundred, and many saving their blanket/chair real estate beginning late-afternoon.
This performance is weather permitting. In the event of rain, the alternate concert date is Wednesday July 31st at the same location and time. If it rains both Sunday and Wednesday, there is no alternate date scheduled.
Fronting the band at this stunning venue will be Bella Holtz, on her second long-term long term stint with us, channelin’ Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and more. We’ll also be hittin’ the audience with some of our best instrumental arrangements, too. Think Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, plus perhaps another surprise or two
As always, profuse thanks to David L. Benjamin Music, organizer of the @Antonio F. Gentile Bandstand Summer Concert Series, and a tireless supporter of performers from all music genres on Cape Ann and the North Shore.
Check out www.compaqbigband.com. ‘Like’ the band and ‘David L. Benjamin Music’ on Facebook.
As is the case wherever we go, the band will have our professional, state-of-the-art traveling sound system, operated by our very experienced, full-time sound engineer. That means you’ll hear Bella, all the instrumental soloists, and the entire ensemble, clearly. All of this brought together with the band’s passion for production excellence.
Cape Ann is such a cool little corner of Massachusetts. If you can, make at least an afternoon and evening of it. Take in a great beach in Gloucester or nearby Manchester-by-the-Sea or Ipswich. Lots of great choices for libation and sustenance – just to name-drop some favs close to the concert: eat-in-rough lobsta at Woodman’s in Essex, cocktails on the deck of the Beauport Hotel Gloucester right across the harbor from Stage Fort Park, and Tonno in downtown Glosta – plus LOTS more!
Click for More Information