By Meghan Parpos
The format has not changed much since its inception: the weekly summer series features five consecutive weeks of live eclectic outdoor music from local bands on Thursday evenings for an hour starting at 7 p.m. Historically, it was held in the courtyard behind Town Hall, but it now takes place at the Wayland Community Center at 8 Andrew Ave.
Concerts are free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Although the COA hosts the concerts, residents and guests of all ages attend. There’s no better way to spend a warm-weather magical summer evening, sitting on lawn chairs or on the grass, a cooler packed with your snacks and beverages, good friends nearby, and live music filling the air.
The Wiley Brothers Band kicks off the season on June 18 with a crowd favorite that’ll have everyone singing along from the first chord. The Wiley Brothers Band covers the best of the ’50s through the ’80s and beyond with guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. They know how to work a crowd.
The series continues June 25 with the Kings of Swing, one of Boston’s best swing bands, and just in time for the Fourth of July weekend, the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band returns on July 2 to celebrate America’s birthday with classic marches, a medley of American music, and plenty of rock and dance tunes. Summer Thursdays wouldn’t be complete without a visit from The Deloreans on July 9. It’ll be an evening filled with ’70s and ’80s hits!
The Honey Steelers Band, a Lowell-based American group blending cowboy swing, country rock, folk, and blues closes out the season on July 16. This group’s smart, soulful, and slightly goofy performance is the perfect final note on a summer well spent.
For more information, contact the Wayland Council on Aging at 508-358-2990 or coa@wayland.ma.us.
