June 1-August 31

Summer at Rockport

Jazz | Folk | Pop
7th Annual Rockport Jazz Festival

Welcome to the 2018 Summer at Rockport season featuring the best in jazz, folk, and pop music!  This year’s summer brings such icons as Gordon Lightfoot and Arlo Guthrie, as well as jazz vocal legends like Dianne Reeves and Jane Monheit.  The Summer will also see debuts by such artists as Jake Shimabukuro, Riders in the Sky and the Quebe Sisters.  The Rockport Jazz Festival brings critically-acclaimed jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, hard-bop swing pianist Monty Alexander, and much more. We hope you enjoy the music all summer long at the Shalin Liu Performance Center! Learn More

Thank you to our Summer at Rockport Corporate Partner!

Wednesday, August 15, 8 PM

Della Mae

Forging a vibrant and wholly distinct path in today’s bluegrass circuit, Della Mae has quickly become one of the most sought after roots music ensembles in the country. The all-female bluegrass supergroup from Nashville (via Boston) blend tradition with a boundary-defying sound, able to recall vintage string band sounds while folding in elements of rock, soul, folk and country. Learn more

Thursday, August 16, 8 PM
Friday, August 17, 8 PM

Paula Cole

Rockport’s own Paula Cole has won Grammy’s and played sold-out arenas, but always returns to her hometown for a memorable night of smash hits like “I Don’t Want to Wait” and “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” as well as tunes from her most recent records—7 and Ballads.  Cole describes 7’s sound as “a soft, soulful album made in the 1960’s” and Ballads is a tribute to such greats as Billie Holiday to Bob Dylan. Learn more

WINDOW NOTICE: Due to the volume level of certain concerts, the curtain may be closed over the window for acoustical purposes. All efforts will be made to keep the view available prior to the concert.

Sunday, August 19, 7 PM

Larry Carlton

An immensely prolific Grammy-winning guitarist and composer that has mined the sonic sweet spot between smooth jazz, blues and funk since his emergence in the mid 70’s. After playing on hundreds of massively successful records by artists like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell and others, as well as a stint with The Crusaders, Carlton made a name for himself as a solo act with smooth jazz hits like “Room 335” and “Sleepwalk.” Learn more

WINDOW NOTICE: Due to the volume level of certain concerts, the curtain may be closed over the window for acoustical purposes. All efforts will be made to keep the view available prior to the concert.

Friday, August 24, 8 PM

Jane Monheit

A vocalist with remarkable virtuosity and innate interpretative skills, Jane Monheit puts her own unique touch on beloved jazz standards, classic torch songs and contemporary pop. A two-time Grammy nominee and second place winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition, Jane’s most recent album The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald, Jane showcases the warmth and joy of Ella’s music. Learn more

WINDOW NOTICE: Due to the volume level of certain concerts, the curtain may be closed over the window for acoustical purposes. All efforts will be made to keep the view available prior to the concert.

Saturday, August 25, 5 & 8 PM

Peter Sagal

Host of NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me

Come hear Peter Sagal, the hilarious host of NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, as he shares stories from his twenty years treating the news the way it deserves to be treated, with cameos from Presidents, celebrities, and of course animals smuggled in pants.  Learn more

After clicking Purchase, please select the preferred performance time from the dropdown on the seating chart page.

Sunday, August 26, 5 PM

Celtic Roots & Branches

With Brian O’Donovan
For over three decades, Brian O’Donovan has been hosting A Celtic Sojourn on WGBH, a program exploring traditional and contemporary music from around the Celtic world. He now brings to life Celtic Roots and Branches, a new concert special featuring a wide variety of new and familiar musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers in a special Celtic celebration that focuses on the genre’s broad and vibrant range. Learn More

WINDOW NOTICE: Due to the volume level of certain concerts, the curtain may be closed over the window for acoustical purposes. All efforts will be made to keep the view available prior to the concert.

Thursday, August 30, 8 PM
Friday, August 31, 8 PM

Tom Rush
with Matt Nakoa

In what has become a delightful, much-anticipated Rockport tradition, folk legend Tom Rush returns to the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Rush’s easy, world-weary baritone and nimble finger-picking combined with his wry, poignant songwriting made him a star of the 60’s urban folk revival.  Rush’s timeless originals, including beloved songs like “No Regrets” and “Galveston Flood,” have become true classics. Learn more

After clicking Purchase, please select the preferred performance time from the dropdown on the seating chart page.

Friday, September 7, 8 PM

Rickie Lee Jones

Working in the sweet spot between folk, jazz and pop since the late 70’s with hits like “Chuck E.’s in Love,” Rickie Lee Jones remains an artist of boundless curiosity with a sophisticated cool sensibility. Ever since her debut, Jones has created music that consistently defies easy categorization, an aesthetic she continues with her newest record, The Other Side of Desire. Learn more

WINDOW NOTICE: Due to the volume level of certain concerts, the curtain may be closed over the window for acoustical purposes. All efforts will be made to keep the view available prior to the concert.

Saturday, September 8, 7:30 PM

Crossing Customs:
Immigrant Masters of Music & Dance

Presented by Mass Cultural Council
This evening’s showcase concert presents the excellence and diversity of music and dance traditions thriving in Massachusetts today. Come be welcomed by Asian lion dancers. Then be enthralled by artists who, having made Massachusetts home, enrich us all by sharing the traditional expressive cultures of Nepal, Greece, and Latin America. LEARN MORE

Sunday, September 16, 5 PM

John Pizzarelli Quartet with Catherine Russell

“Billie and Blue Eyes”
Come hear a tribute to two of the world’s greatest interpreters of song as the dynamic duo of John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell take on classic tunes made immortal by Ol’ Blue Eyes and Lady Day.  The Billboard-charting, Grammy-winning artists will bring their considerable skill and style to Sinatra chestnuts like “Witchcraft” and “One More for My Baby,” as well as Holiday favorites such as “All of Me” and “God Bless the Child” among others. Learn More

Guest Presentation
Saturday, September 22, 8 PM

Roomful of Blues

Presented by M.E. Productions
For nearly half a century, Roomful of Blues has been delivering its signature blend of swing, rock ‘n’ roll, jump blues and R&B to euphoric audiences all over the world. With their masterful combination of jumping, horn-heavy blues and R&B, it’s no wonder why the great Count Basie called them “the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard.”   Learn more 

Sunday, September 23, 7 PM

Còig

A Nova Scotia foursome that has taken the Celtic world by storm, Còig makes its Rockport debut fresh off the heels of its acclaimed new record Rove. With twin fiddles, bouzouki/banjo/mandolin and piano, Còig delve into an array of traditional styles including propulsive Cape Breton jigs, swirling reels and haunting Maritimes ballads. Learn more

Friday, September 28, 8 PM

Red Molly

Known for their gorgeous three-part harmonies blending bluegrass with a touch of western swing, the Americana trio Red Molly brings audiences to their feet with crisp musicianship and warm, engaging stage presence. They return to the stage after a two year hiatus and have a treasure trove of stored up material to perform. Learn more

Friday, October 5, 8 PM

The Weight Band

The Weight Band is a continuation of the beloved music of The Band and features former members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band.  Their performances feature The Weight Band’s original songs as well as fan favorites from The Band’s catalog, including “Up On Cripple Creek”, The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”. Learn more

WINDOW NOTICE: Due to the volume level of certain amplified concerts, please note that the window may be covered for acoustical reasons at the artist’s discretion.

Sunday, October 7, 7 PM

Under the Streetlamp

Everyone’s favorite Man Band! Under The Streetlamp delivers an electrifying evening of classic hits from the American radio songbook, bringing their unique blend of tight harmonies and slick dance moves to your favorite doo-wop, Motown, and old time rock ‘n’ roll hits.  Learn more

Friday, October 12, 8 PM

Spyro Gyra

One of the most beloved jazz fusion bands in the world, Spyro Gyra continues to find the sweet spot between jazz, funk, and new age music. Nominated for multiple Grammy awards, the group has shown no sign of slowing down after more than 40 years since their founding.  Learn more

Friday, October 19, 8 PM

Kathy Mattea

A hit-making country music star throughout the 90’s and winner of multiple CMA, ACM and Grammy Awards, Kathy Mattea remains one of Music Row’s most revered singers.  Beloved for classics like “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Love at the Five and Dime,” Mattea is known for diverting from Nashville’s mainstream, incorporating folk, Celtic and Appalachian music into the genre, and relying on the strength of a voice that the Hartford Courant called “a rare blend of warmth and power.”  Learn more

Saturday, October 20, 8 PM

Quinn Sullivan

New Bedford native Quinn Sullivan may only be 18 years old, but the precocious blues rock guitar-slinger counts the legendary Buddy Guy as an admirer and mentor and has already shared the stage with the likes of Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Los Lobos, Derek Trucks and Joe Bonamassa. Not too shabby for a teenager.  Learn more

Friday, October 26, 8 PM

Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra

One of the most successful instrumentalists working today, guitarist Ottmar Liebert has created a niche for himself, creating a sound that borrows from flamenco, new age, jazz, rock and Pan-Latin music. Learn more

Saturday, October 27, 8 PM

The Lone Bellow

An Americana trio with soulful, harmony-soaked vocals and innate melodic gifts, The Lone Bellow makes its Rockport debut! The Nashville (by way of Brooklyn) group are touring on the back of their Dave Cobb-produced album Walk into a Storm. Learn more

Sunday, October 28, 5 PM

Loudon Wainwright

A singer-songwriter of immense depth and wit, Loudon Wainwright III has been thrilling audiences with his sharp, literate take on the folk tradition for over 40 years. From the “next Dylan” tag of the early 70’s to his evolution into a revered cult figure and Grammy-winning folk elder statesman, Wainwright’s singular talent has never dimmed. Learn more

Friday, November 2, 8 PM

Hanneke Cassel

Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel fuses sounds from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations, creating a cutting-edge acoustic sound that retains the integrity and spirit of the Scottish tradition.  Learn more

Saturday, November 3, 8 PM

Oleta Adams

A powerful soul and gospel singer as well as an inspirational songwriter and pianist, Oleta Adams has been delighting audiences with her charismatic live shows and Grammy-nominated recordings for the last 30 years. She will be making her Rockport debut armed with her newest record Third Set. Learn more

Friday, November 9, 8 PM

David Cook

The rock vocalist’s career may have taken off with American Idol, but it’s been David Cook’s 1000 watt charisma and undeniably powerful pipes that have kept him in the public eye and in the hearts of his fans.  He’ll be making his Rockport debut, touring on his brand new EP Chromance. Learn more

Saturday, November 10, 8 PM

Rockport Folk Summit:
Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards and Anna Egge

The Rockport Folk Summit makes its grand return with a dynamic concert featuring two fantastic, progressive-minded singer-songwriters both making their Rockport debut. Fiddler/singer Laura Cortese and her all-female, guitar-less string band, the Dance Cards, and the dulcet-voiced songwriter Ana Egge will each play a set before joining together for a rollicking collaborative finale. Learn more

Guest Presentation
Friday, November 16, 8 PM

Tinsley Ellis & Tommy Castro

Presented by M.E. Productions
Two forces of nature from the blues world play the same stage.  Tinsley Ellis and Tommy Castro & The Painkillers will deliver an evening of high energy blues, rock, and soul music that is sure to lift your spirits.  Learn more

Saturday, November 17, 8 PM

Capitol Steps

As the granddaddy of political satire, The Capitol Steps have been poking fun at the D.C. establishment for over 35 years. The veteran troupe have become masters at skewering both sides of the aisle, their repurposed covers of pop songs loaded with puns and outrageous one-liners. No one is safe!  Learn more

Saturday, December 1, 8 PM

Coco Montoya

World-renowned blues rock guitarist and singer Coco Montoya will be making his Rockport debut, bringing along his searing yet melodic guitar playing and passionate vocals. He’ll be supporting his most recent record, the acclaimed Hard Truth, an album that has cemented his status as one of the world’s most beloved blues rockers. Learn more

Sunday, December 2, 3 & 8 PM

Cape Ann Big Band Holiday

Enjoy the holidays with Cape Ann’s own 17-piece big band performing holiday favorites, old and new, infused with a bit of jazz, swing, and rock n’ roll. The Band was formed in December of 2010 when director Carlos Menezes Jr. teamed up with friends and fellow musicians Paula Burns, Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, and Rick Geraghty to discuss the potentials of starting up a 17-piece big band. Learn more

Thursday, December 6, 8 PM

Livingston Taylor

From upbeat storytelling to touching ballads, Livingston Taylor is known for his ability to take audiences on a musical journey, whether singing  hits “I’ll Come Running,” “I Will Be in Love with You” or other favorites.   His vast musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres, including folk, pop, gospel and jazz.  Learn more

Saturday, December 8, 8 PM

Stacey Kent

A Grammy-nominated jazz singer with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan sensibility and an intimately warm voice, Stacey Kent will be making her Rockport debut on the heels of her new orchestral album I Know I Know. Learn more

Wednesday, December 12, 4 & 8 PM

Brian O’Donovan’s
A Christmas Celtic Sojourn

Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn has entertained and enlightened radio audiences since 1986. Now celebrating a decade and a half of holiday performances, the Christmas-time live version of the show draws on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of the season. A Christmas Celtic Sojourn reflects the compelling and diverse offerings of the weekly national radio program plus the excitement of a live show featuring the Celtic world’s best performers. Learn more

Sunday, December 16, 3 PM

Christmas with the Back Bay Ringers

Back Bay Ringers (BBR) is an advanced, auditioned, handbell ensemble. Under the direction of Griff Gall, BBR has quickly developed a reputation for excellence, regularly performing at Boston-area landmarks such as Faneuil Hall, Symphony Hall, the Boston Children’s Museum, and the Prudential Center.  Learn more

Wednesday, January 23, 7 PM

Beantown Swing Orchestra

The 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra specializes in performing big band music from the Swing Era, one of the most popular and sophisticated forms of American music ever created.  With most of its musicians in their twenties, the orchestra is a true representation of the young and energetic big bands of the 1930s.  Learn more

Saturday, March 9, 8 PM

Danú

One of Ireland’s most cherished Irish folk bands and among the leaders of the new traditionalist movement in Celtic music, Danú has been thrilling audiences with their instrumental virtuosity and powerfully emotive ballads for close to 20 years.  Learn more

Saturday, April 6, 8 PM

JD Souther

A songwriting legend and country rock pioneer, JD Souther returns to Rockport armed with a veritable treasure trove of classics, including several made famous by The Eagles (“Heartache Tonight,” “Best of My Love”) and Linda Ronstadt (“Faithless Love”). His infectious pop sensibility and effortless croon have led to a near 50 year career.   Learn more

Saturday, May 18, 8 PM

Johnny A

One of the most revered guitarists working the scene today, Boston’s own Johnny A. has created a decade-spanning career built on his virtuosic playing, compositional fortitude and distinctive style. On top of putting out his acclaimed new record, Driven, Johnny was just recently asked to play lead guitar in the legendary blues rock supergroup of The Yardbirds.  Learn more