BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Music Center and Retreat Farm are launching a new summer concert series.
“Music Under the Stars” will include two free concerts in July and August and culminate in a performance by the Windham Orchestra in September to celebrate the fall equinox and the Orchestra's 50th anniversary.
“The BMC is delighted to begin what we hope will be a long partnership with Retreat Farm,” BMC Managing Director Mary Greene said in a news release. “It is a pleasure to bring our music to this splendid setting, as we consider the restoration of the Farm a wonderful gift to our community.”
Retreat Farm President and Executive Director Buzz Schmidt added, “It is an honor to join forces with BMC, a remarkable institution that plays a crucial role in our community. We hope that our collaboration is the first of several partnerships with other truly exceptional arts organizations in our region.”
Gates open an hour before the music starts, with concertgoers free to spread out blankets and lawn chairs on the beautiful green at Farmhouse Square. Attendees can bring their own picnic dinners or choose from an array of food truck fare and creemees from the Farm Shop.
Retreat Farm, located at 45 Farmhouse Square (next to Grafton Village Cheese), is a historic farm and independent nonprofit organization that focuses on conservation, education, recreation, and sustainable enterprise for the community.
The farm offers authentic farming experiences for the whole family, a robust events program, outdoor recreation, and more.
The “Music Under the Stars” concert series schedule includes a performance by the BMC Brass Quintet on Saturday, July 13, and Becky Tracy and Keith Murphy on Saturday, Aug. 17. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the concerts starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Windham Orchestra performance is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, at 5:30 p.m. (gates open at 4:30 p.m.). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Children under 12 are free; youth are $5.