As the sun sets over the historic city of New Bedford, the sounds of summer are about to get a sophisticated twist. This season, the iconic New Bedford museum is transforming its picturesque grounds into an enchanting outdoor concert venue, where the smooth rhythms of jazz will mingle with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. On a warm summer evening, the museum’s lush gardens will come alive with the vibrant energy of live music, as locals and visitors alike gather to savor the magic of a garden concert like no other. With an expertly curated lineup of jazz and other genres, this exceptional event promises to be the highlight of the summer social calendar. So, grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and get ready to soak up the sweet sounds of summer in one of New Bedford’s most treasured settings.
Musical Interlude in the Gardens
The historic Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum in New Bedford is set to host an enchanting evening of music, featuring a diverse range of jazz and contemporary music performances. The “A Modern Music Concert in the Garden” event is scheduled to take place on May 20 at 7 p.m., bringing together talented local student musicians from New Bedford High School and the All-City Middle School.
Concert Details
The concert will be held at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, located at 306 County St., New Bedford. The event will feature performances by the New Bedford High School Jazz Band, Rock Band, All-City Middle School Jazz Band, and Steel Band.
Music Genres and Expectations
Attendees can expect a riveting musical experience, with a range of jazz and contemporary music from the past century. The New Bedford High School Jazz Band, directed by Tim Mason, will focus on various jazz styles and improvisation. The Rock Band, led by Tom O’Leary, will perform classic rock hits and contemporary music. The All-City Middle School Jazz Band will showcase jazz standards featuring improvised solos, while the All-City Steel Band will play contemporary music influenced by Trinidad and Tobago traditions.
Concert Experience and Logistics
General seating will be available on the patio, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating for the lawn area. Refreshments will be provided by the New Bedford High Hospitality Program, adding to the overall concert experience.
The Historic Venue
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, built in 1834 for whaling merchant William Rotch Jr., is a stunning Greek Revival mansion that sits on a full city block of formal gardens. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, one of only 2,500 in the United States, the museum’s period rooms reflect 150 years of New Bedford’s economic and social history through the lives of the Rotch, Jones, and Duff families.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays between Memorial Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for AAA members, seniors, and students, and $3 for children aged 7 to 17. RJD members and EBT, Connector-Care, WIC, and Wunderfund cardholders can enter for free. The gardens are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
Period Rooms and Exhibits
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum is a National Historic Landmark that showcases 150 years of New Bedford’s economic and social history through the lives of the Rotch, Jones, and Duff families. The museum’s period rooms reflect the lives of these three families, providing a glimpse into New Bedford’s past.
The museum’s exhibits are a testament to the city’s rich history, with each room carefully curated to transport visitors back in time. From the opulent furnishings to the intricate details, every aspect of the museum is designed to educate and fascinate visitors.
Museum Hours and Admission
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays between Memorial Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Admission to the museum is as follows:
- $8 for adults
- $6 for AAA members, seniors, and students
- $3 for children aged 7 to 17
- Free admission for RJD members and EBT, Connector-Care, WIC, and Wunderfund cardholders
The gardens are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, providing a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Practical Information and Preparations
Attendance and Pre-Event Preparations
The “A Modern Music Concert in the Garden” event is free to attend and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by the New Bedford High Hospitality Program.
General seating will be available on the patio, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating for the lawn area.
Getting Involved and Supporting the Event
For those interested in getting involved or supporting the event, the museum can be contacted at www.rjdmuseum.org or by calling 508-997-1401.
There are also potential volunteer opportunities available for students and community members who want to be a part of this exciting event.
The Community’s Role in the Event
The “A Modern Music Concert in the Garden” event is a celebration of local talent, featuring performances by the New Bedford High School Jazz Band, Rock Band, and the All-City Middle School Jazz Band and Steel Band.
The event is a testament to the community’s support for the arts, with local student musicians taking center stage to showcase their talents.
Community support is encouraged through refreshments and potential volunteer opportunities, making this event a true celebration of New Bedford’s spirit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming garden concert at the historic New Bedford museum promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. The event will feature a diverse range of jazz and other genres, providing something for every musical taste. The picturesque setting of the museum’s gardens will add to the ambiance, making for a truly special evening.
The significance of this event lies in its ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and cultural enrichment. By hosting such a concert, the museum is not only promoting the arts but also providing a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents. This event has the potential to become a staple of the city’s cultural scene, attracting visitors from far and wide. As the concert approaches, anticipation is building, and it will be interesting to see how this event develops in the future.
As the sun sets on the museum’s gardens, the sounds of jazz and other genres will fill the air, creating a magical atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend. This event is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and enrich our lives. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see what other cultural events the museum has in store for us.