SAUGUS — If you’re looking for a spot to rock out this summer, the National Parks Service (NPS), in coordination with the Saugus Public Library, will be hosting a free summer concert series from July 9-Aug. 27 at the Saugus Iron Works.
“We are so happy to be partnering with the Saugus Public Library for another season of free summer concerts. National Parks are for everyone, and we are always excited to connect with the local community and other park visitors during these special programs. This year’s performers represent a variety of genres and highlight the wonderful talent we have in Essex County,” Jennifer Hardin, superintendent of Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works National Historical Sites, said.
The series has been happening since July 2022, according to Library Director Alan Thibeault.
“When I worked in Danvers, the Recreation Department ran a weekly concert series in Peabody Park, behind their library. The concerts were — and still are — very well attended. I saw how the event brought people together,” Thibeault said.
He continued that shared musical experiences are a great way to build community.
“After the pandemic, the Library was looking for an outdoor space to hold children’s events. Our Head of Children’s Services, Amy Melton, reached out and started a partnership with the National Parks Service to use their space for story hours and other children’s events,” he said.
The events were popular and “instrumental in forging the partnership we have today with the National Park Service.”
Thibeault was thinking about an outdoor concert series at the same time as this partnership was being created for Saugus in the summer.
“In 2021, Ranger Mike Parr and I first discussed the feasibility of a collaborative summer concert series in Saugus at the Iron Works. Each of us pitched the idea to our bosses and gained their approval,” he said.
Thibeault explained that a lot of the work for the series happens in late winter and early spring.
“We select bands, decide how to split costs for the performers, and set the schedule. After that, we take care of the in-town publicity and collaborate with the NPS in Salem,” he said.
NPS handles venue specific things like access, bathrooms and parking as well as working with the performers on setup and breakdown, according to Thibeault.
He also explained how the setting of the Iron Works contributes to the concerts.
“The Iron Works are a unique historic site that figures heavily into local history, and the people of Saugus are quite proud of it. We’re happy to give them another excuse to come out and enjoy it,” he said.
Thibeault continued that it’s an easily accessible outdoor space.
“We hold concerts on the big lawn that stretches from the Education Center and Museum Building to the Charging Bridge. People come out with lawn chairs or blankets and gather near the stage. It’s a great place for kids to run and dance and for people to spend time with their friends and neighbors, sitting under the big trees, and enjoying quality live music in a beautiful and historic setting,” he said.
This year’s setlist is already prepped and ready with Coco Brown & The Invitation performing July 9, Memorylaners July 16, Squeeze Box Stompers July 23, Atwater & Donnelly July 30, Ditto Aug. 6, John Jerome Aug. 12, Jon Waterman Aug. 20,and Jump Street Aug. 27.
Concerts begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted, and for more information and cancellations, you can visit the Saugus Public Library website.
Concert goers are encouraged to bring their own food and drink. There is ample parking in the lot adjacent to the Iron Works and on the side streets nearby. Civic groups like the Saugus River Watershed Council and the Saugus Library Foundation sometimes offer free snacks and beverages, according to Thibeault.
