Arts Arlington Live Arts

Live Arts is a project of the Programs and Festivals Committee, funded by the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture. Live Arts began as a pilot effort in 2019 in partnership with artists, and it was designed to encourage public performance and creation in the Town. The group invited diverse artists to step out and share their expertise on sidewalks, parks, and plazas where people gather and enjoy outdoor entertainment. Those early years have sparked interest in live performances all over town, organized by a number of different organizations and venues. Arts Arlington is happy to shine a spotlight on all of these ways live performances are invigorating our town.

The Live Arts 2023 season kicked off on June 17 with the Arlington Center for the Arts’ popular event Arlington Porchfest! Porchfest was followed by Garage Band, an annual pop-up dance party and a celebration of community in an unusual venue, the Arlington Global Service Station — a classic auto service station that has become, thanks to input from neighborhood artist Johnny Lapham, a public art landmark in the heart of Arlington’s Cultural District. Garage Band is sponsored by the Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture through a grant by the Mass Cultural Council.

Members of the public can help support art and performances in public spaces in Arlington by making a tax-deductible donation to the Public Art Fund on the town website – just note your contribution is for Live Arts on the form.

*Whittemore Park Concerts: The Arlington Chamber of Commerce announces its summer lineup of concerts scheduled for Wednesday evenings beginning July 5 at 6:30pm. Check out the free music performances coming your way! Sponsorship opportunities for these events are still available. Contact the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, info@arlcc.org
July 5 – Soft Touch Dance Band
July 12 – Backpocket
July 19 – TBD
July 26 – Foxtet

*Old Schwamb Mill: Thursday Music at the Mill. On Thursdays, through August 17, bring a picnic and $10 admission per person (under 18 is free) to Old Schwamb Mill (17 Mill Lane) for a summer-long concert season in Mill Pond Park. Contact info@oldschwambmill.org.
July 13, 6:30 – 8pm – The Mystic Brass Quintet
July 20, 6:30 – 8pm – Back Pocket
July 27, 6:30 – 8pm – Spajazzy
August 3, 6:30 – 8pm – District 5
August 10, 6:30 – 8pm – The C#s
August 17, 6 – 7:30pm – The Heatons

*Robbins Library — Kid Concerts on the Lawn: Get ready for great family fun, listening to performances on Robbins Library Lawn as part of its Kids’ Summer Concert Series! These events happen every Thursday in July and August, and are free and fun for all ages! Contact Friends of the Robbins Library at info@friendsofrobbinslibrary.org
July 6 – Matt Heaton & The Outside Toys
July 13 – Alastair Moock
July 20 – Mr. Aaron
July 27 – Vanessa Trien
August 3 – Esther Crow
August 10 – Stacey Peasley
August 17 – Ben Rudnick

*Arlington Reservoir Beach Concerts: Bring the Family for entertainment and dinner! Enjoy free Friday concerts, plenty of room to dance, and food/beverage available for purchase from Arlington Brewing Company and local food trucks this summer at the Arlington Reservoir Beach. Hosted by Arlington Recreation, these events are billed as a great big thank you for supporting the Arlington Reservoir Renovation project. Contact recoffice@town.arlington.ma.us
July 7 – Cheryl Arena Band
July 14 – Cocktail to Cocktails
July 21 – Wicked Pickers
July 28 – Classic Groove
August 11 – The C#s

*Jason Russell House Saturday Beer Garden with live music: Through September 30, Jason Russell House (7 Jason Street) will be hosting Beer Gardens, with live music every Saturday! Sponsored by the Arlington Historical Society, The Beer Garden is free for admission and will feature beverages for purchase for those over 21 from American Beverage Inc., and food for purchase from Menotomy Grill. Email contact@arlingtonhistorical.org for more information.

*Friends of Magnolia Park Concert Series: Weekly Thursday evenings with one Tuesday evening scheduled. The Magnolia Park Summer Music Series is a program of informal concerts held weekday evenings in the summer at Magnolia Park in Arlington, funded in part by the Arlington Cultural Commission. Contact friends.of.magnolia.park@gmail.com for more details!
July 20 – Wayward Vine
July 27 – Amaury Cabral Trio
August 3 – Kirsten Manville with Jackie Damsky
August 10 Arlington Express
August 17 – The New Grownups
August 24 – Grüvmeiners Brass Band
August 29 – Matt Heaton

Busking in Arlington

Arlington has had a street performance – or busking – ordinance on the books for several years. In order to produce a street performance, artists need only fill out an application form and return it to the Select Board office at Town Hall with $12 application fee to receive a permit good for one full year. You’ll receive information about locations allowing street performances, including opportunities to be promoted as part of Live Arts Arlington. Artists are encouraged to “put out a hat!” Members of the public can help support art and performances in public spaces in Arlington by making a tax-deductible donation to ArtsArlington on the town website – just note your contribution is for Live Arts on the form.