Free Summer Concerts in Western Massachusetts

When New Englanders go to western Massachusetts with music in mind, they usually center their thoughts on Tanglewood the well known summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. But with just a little effort music lovers will discover that, while Tanglewood is still the musical gem of the west, other towns not too far from Tanglewood also know how to offer excellent musical entertainment and they offer it for free.

Williamstown. No one is ever very surprised when something special is taking place in Williamstown in the summer. A delightful college town, home to Williams College, this scenic community just has a handle on making summer events happen for the many tourists that visit the Berkshires as well as for their own year round residents. Art, antiques, theater and music are all part of the Williamstown experience.

So it is no surprise that in Williamstown you can find excellent free summer band concerts. The events are held at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute on its inviting and expansive lawn. This year concerts will be held on Tuesday evenings in July beginning at 6 p.m. On the schedule are musical groups that will feature patriotic songs, jazz, honky-tonk and blue grass. The series will begin on July 3 with the Eagles Band, a group founded in 1936. You'll be listening to the oldest continually operating band in the Berkshires as well as the official band of Pittsfield, MA During the balance of the month visitors can hear "Riverboat Jazz Band" , "Girl Howdy" , "The Stanley Brothers" and "Curly Headed Rascals".

What really adds to the Williamstown experience is that you are welcomed to come early and enjoy browsing the galleries at the Clark Institute, which on concert days remains open until 6 p.m.

Many visitors enjoy bringing their own dinner picnic but you should also know that barbecue foods are available on site for your purchase. In case of rain concerts are still held and they are still free but are presented in the Institute's auditorium. You can access a complete listing of performers by visiting www.clarkart.edu.