By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — A summer of fun and outdoor musical entertainment continues in July 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.
Summer BBQ and Entertainment
Next Wednesday, July 9, the Friends of North Reading Parks and Recreation present the second 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. A 45-minute children’s performance featuring Robert Clarke the Magician begins at 5:15 p.m. His performance is made possible by the exclusive children’s entertainment sponsorship of Reading Coop Bank.
The band opens at 6 p.m. and features the classic rock-and-roll of Cool Change whose performance is sponsored by Essential Landscapes.
The Friends of NRPR reminds patrons that the date is subject to weather cancellations and re-scheduling so if in doubt please check their website (northreadingma.gov/parks-recreation).
Community Coffeehouse Showcase
The North Reading Community Coffeehouse Outdoor Summer Series at Ipswich River Park presents the second of its three-series event this summer on Saturday, July 19 from 4-7 p.m. All are welcome to the all-ages show featuring Brendan Buckley and Katrina Holden, who are returning to the Showcase, as well as first-timers Andrew Sexton and Sam Eastman.
“They represent a group of very talented musicians this month with a nice variety of music which will make for a very entertaining show,” commented NRCC founder Art Grossman, adding “Each performer will do about a 30-minute set.”
The entertainment is presented free but donations are gratefully accepted as all proceeds go to the Friends of the Flint Memorial Library in North Reading to help support library programming.
In the event of rain the concert will be moved indoors to the Library Activity Room at 147 Park St. (an announcement will be made via social media).