By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — A summer of fun and outdoor musical entertainment kicks off this coming week, thanks to the volunteer efforts of two different town groups, the North Reading Community Coffeehouse and the Friends of North Reading Parks and Recreation. Both events are being held at the Ipswich River Park gazebo free of charge.
Community Coffeehouse Showcase
The first event occurs this Saturday, June 21 when the North Reading Community Coffeehouse presents the first of three Summer Showcases from 4-7 p.m. The performers are Cynthia Keefe and Kevin Kelley, Colorado Bob Kramer, Sal Liberto, and Alan Foucault. “We have a group of very talented musicians this month with a nice variety of music, which will make for a very entertaining show. Each performer will do about a 30-minute set,” commented NRCC founder Art Grossman.
The organizers also hope to break the current rainy Saturday streak of 13 consecutive weeks (a new record for Boston). But in the event Mother Nature decides to extend that streak to a 14th consecutive Saturday, the show will be moved indoors in the Activity Room of the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St. (an announcement will be made via social media).
“The event is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. All the proceeds go to the Friends of the Flint Memorial Library to help support library programs,” Grossman said. Whether outdoors or indoors, the Coffeehouse Showcase is livestreamed on the North Reading Community Coffeehouse Facebook page (facebook.com/nrcoffeehouse) and uploaded to YouTube the following day (youtube.com/@NRCoffeehouse). Refer questions to NRCoffeehouse@gmail.com.
Summer BBQ and Entertainment in the Park
Next Wednesday, June 25, the Friends of North Reading Parks and Recreation kick off the first of four summer BBQs, children’s entertainment and band performances from 5 p.m. to dusk!
Food and drink a la carte service begins at 5 p.m. and is served throughout the event. A 45-minute children’s performance featuring Henry the Juggler begins at 5:15 p.m. Henry returns by popular demand thanks to the exclusive children’s entertainment sponsorship throughout the summer provided by Reading Cooperative Bank, whose personnel also bring free surprise toys for the kids.
The band opens at 6 p.m. and features the rock-and-roll music of The Rampage Trio whose performance is being sponsored by Bark-N-Roll/Rock-N-Rescue of North Reading.
The Friends of North Reading Parks and Recreation reminds patrons that the date of the event is subject to weather cancellations and re-scheduling so if in doubt please check their website (northreadingma.gov/parks-recreation).
So bring a blanket or some comfy chairs and enjoy a picnic supper on the lawn with music and dancing while the kids tire themselves out learning how to juggle or running around in the meadow with new and old friends. Cash and credit cards are accepted for the a la carte BBQ food, cold drinks and ice cream. Subsequent BBQ’s are scheduled for Wednesdays on July 9, 16 and 23.