Boston's Best Outdoor Concerts This Summer
Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake
Fenway Park
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
(877) 733-7699
www.redsox.com
Date: August 10th, 2013
Sure, this not-so-humbly-titled tour may be dubbed the "Legends of Summer," but when one is an artist as massively popular as Jay-Z or Justin Timberlake, the title pretty much fits like a glove. Tied in (pun intended) to coincide with Timberlake's new album "Suit and Tie," the "Legends of Summer" tour promises to bring infectious grooves, powerful pop melody and specialized verse-spitting to the masses on August 10th, a night which sounds virtually guaranteed to rock the crowd at Fenway Park from roof to rafter.
Concerts in the Courtyards
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-5400
www.bpl.org
Date: June 7 to Aug. 30, 2013
The Concerts in the Courtyards series at Boston's own Public Library is a wonderful way for the city's lunchtime crowds to enjoy an exciting, free outdoor live show on their break. The concert series also serves as a great visit for tourists or townies on their day off, with a wide variety of acts hitting up the BPL's courtyard grounds from genres as varied as funk, rock, soul, pop and indie. Even folk and classical music get their day in the sun on Friday afternoons at the Copley Central grounds from June 1st to August 31st, starting at 12:30 p.m. There are few better ways to enjoy lunchtime than this highly recommended outing.
Mayor Menino's Wednesday Night Concerts
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
(617) 635-4000
www.cityofboston.gov
Rock, classical, big band and even disco acts have made appearances at Mayor Tom Menino's Wednesday Night Concert Series, making "Hump Day" just a little bit more bearable for city residents. After 40 years of entertaining the city's music-loving populous, this Wednesday night show serves as the city's longest running outdoor concert series, earning itself a rightful place alongside the city's rich cultural history. Whether it's swing, Motown or country, each Wednesday night event possesses a unique theme, guaranteeing a great time for concert fans of all ages. Make sure to check the website for updated event days and prices for 2013.
Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
DCR Hatch Shell
1 David G. Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 626-1250
www.july4th.org
Date: July 3-4, 2013
At this point, watching the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular has become something of a cultural tradition for any patriotic music lover within a 50-mile radius of Boston. It is an Independence Day celebration which stands amongst the nation's very best displays of music and pyrotechnic wonder. Indeed, first-time attendees should arrive expecting to enjoy a wide variety of music -- not just Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" -- expertly conducted by the Boston Pops Orchestra, while the day-long celebration of our nation's freedom and independence promises to be an experience to be remembered.
Summer In the City Concert Series
Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 439-7000
www.bhh.com
The Boston Harbor Hotel's Summer in the City concert series is an outdoor entertainment lover's dream, featuring a wide variety of both concerts and movies under the stars for an appreciative audience. Live music from local and established artists make the rounds for this extremely popular series drawing thousands of curious and experienced fans throughout the summer months. The Boston Harbor Hotel's giant movie screen showcases some of Hollywood's classic and most beloved films, set amongst the city's unique atmosphere. It's simply one of a kind.
Related: Boston's Best Ways To Learn About Presidential And American History
George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.