Summer concerts scheduled for June

Apr 19, 2021

Waves won’t be the only sounds filling Apponagansett Park this summer, as preparations are underway for the town's yearly concert series.

According to a Facebook announcement from the band NB Rude Boys, this year’s series is set to kick off on June 16  — with the ska group performing the first night. 

Musical acts for this year will include those scheduled to perform at the park in 2020, with a few changes based on band availability, according to Parks and Recreation Director Tim Lancaster.

Last year the concert series was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Lancaster noted that while bands are booked, the series will still go ahead on a week by week basis until there is more guidance from the state.

In March, all communities in Massachusetts moved to the first step of phase four of Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plan. Under this step, gathering limits for outdoor event venues increased to 150 people.

In a typical year, the concert series regularly sees 500 to 800 guests — with larger events drawing crowds of more than 1,000 to the park.

“It could be one of those things where we might have to start a little bit later,” Lancaster said. “We kind of have to watch, but I have to assume things are getting better.”

With the current capacity restrictions, Lancaster said the Parks Department is looking into the number of season passes that will be available for sale.

“It’s still a numbers game we’re playing,” the director said, adding that the department is planning on delaying the sale until closer to the season. “But the plan is to have it go on.”  

More details on Covid safety and other plans for the concerts will be determined at the next Parks and Recreation Board meeting in May.