Erie music scene: Sounds of Summer returns, 814 Concert Series launches with local bands

Erie Times-News
·3 min read

Local bands will make some music in Erie neighborhoods this summer as the Sounds of Summer concert series returns after a two-year absence and the new 814 Concert Series debuts.

The City of Erie and UPMC Health Plan joined forces to bring the pair of music series to the region, starting in July. All shows are free and open to the public.

“We are excited to bring Sounds of Summer back after two years off,” Erie Mayor Joe Schember said in a news release. “These concerts mean a lot to our seniors and we want to bring the music they love right to their doorstep.”

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Sounds of Summer features one local band each Monday at 7 p.m. starting July 11 and ending Aug. 15. Concerts take place at senior living communities throughout the city.

The 814 Concert Series presented by UPMC Health Plan will have an Erie band performing each Sunday at 6 p.m. starting July 10 and finishing on 814 Day, Aug. 14. The series will take place in three eastside parks and three westside parks.

“After the popularity of last year’s 814 Day, we wanted to build on that model and activate additional neighborhood parks,” said Aaron Loncki, marketing strategist for the city. “Instead of focusing on one day, we decided to spread it out over six weeks so more people could enjoy each park and concert.”

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Before each concert, and starting at 4 p.m., One World Tribe will be on hand for a public, participatory drum circle experience. No experience is required to join, although attendees are encouraged to take a drum. A limited number of drums will be available for use.

Attendees can take a chair to the shows. For information on both concert series, visit 814concerts.com.

Sounds of Summer series

All concerts start at 7 p.m.

  • July 11: The Rooftop Project at Mercy Terrace Apartments, 430 E. Grandview Blvd.

  • July 18: Bayfront Dixieland Band, location to be determined

  • July 25: Band to be determined at Ostrow Apartments, 4220 Davison Ave.

  • Aug. 1: Presque Isle Little Big Band at Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, 560 E. Third St.

  • Aug. 8: Presque Isle Saxophone Quartet at Nightingale Nursing and Rehab Center, formerly Saint Mary’s East, 607 E. 26th St.

  • Aug. 15: Gem City Jazz Ensemble at Curry Schell Apartments, 3909 Schaper Ave.

Music fans listen to the Breeze Band perform during ErieBank 8 Great Tuesdays on July 20, 2021, at the Highmark Amphitheater in Erie. The Breeze Band is scheduled to perform July 17 in the 814 Concert Series at Franklin Park.
Music fans listen to the Breeze Band perform during ErieBank 8 Great Tuesdays on July 20, 2021, at the Highmark Amphitheater in Erie. The Breeze Band is scheduled to perform July 17 in the 814 Concert Series at Franklin Park.

814 Concert Series

All concerts start at 6 p.m. following a 4 p.m. drum circle session by One World Tribe.

  • July 10: The Islers at Bayview Park, West Second and Cherry streets

  • July 17: The Breeze Band at Franklin Park, East Seventh Street and Marne Road

  • July 24: The Division Street Machine at Washington Park, West 24th and Raspberry streets

  • July 31: The Groove at Wayne Park, East Sixth Street and East Avenue

  • Aug. 7: Mambo at Baldwin Park, West 25th Street and Berst Avenue

  • Aug. 14: Eric Brewer & Friends at Baker Field, East 32nd and Holland streets

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Sounds of Summer returns, 814 Concert Series launches with Erie bands