Like music to our ears: Concerts on the Common turns 50

With everything from rock ‘n’ roll and country to doo-wop and Italian love songs, the city’s Concerts on the Common series has spent 50 years satisfying everyone’s music tastes.

This summer, as the organization marks its Golden Anniversary, aims to do the same.

“We have a focus on bringing a variety of music to Waltham,” said Jessica Lucci, president of the nonprofit Waltham Arts Council, which runs the summer shows.

A half-century ago, the concert series started off at Waltham High School with an impressive first show featuring the Boston Pops led by famed conductor Arthur Fiedler.

Since then, the shows have run the gamut of genres, with an emphasis on Waltham-based and other local bands, said Lucci.

The summer series has also included the works of other creators, such as crafters showing and selling their wares.

The concerts and all other Waltham Arts Council activities would not be possible without contributions from the community.

“We depend on donations, memberships and sponsorships,” said Lucci.

The funds go to making sure the concerts run smoothly and other events and charitable efforts throughout the year. The council donates art supplies to Waltham school classrooms; offers craft activities at the city’s Easter Bunny celebration; holds an annual Holiday Sing-Along with a visit by Santa; and partners at Waltham events to encourage arts in the city

It also holds annual fundraisers for the Bill Walsh Scholarship, which awards funds to Waltham High School students pursuing collegiate studies in the arts.

Lucci said the group is always looking to expand its membership and find new volunteers and sponsors for its artistic endeavors.

“We believe that the arts are for everybody,” Lucci added.

The upcoming schedule for Concerts on the Common is as follows:

• July 29: Tom Bruhl Trio (Rock Variety). Rain date, July 31.
• Aug. 5: Sea Breeze (Italian love songs). Rain date, Aug. 7.
• Aug. 12: Cactus Gang (Country). Rain date, Aug. 14.
• Aug. 19: Billy & The Jets (Elton John). Rain date, Aug. 21.
• Aug. 26: American Legion Band (Patriotic). Rain date, Aug. 28.

Parking is available in the City Hall lot or behind City Hall. All performances take place between 7 and 8:30 p.m. on Waltham Common (next to Waltham City Hall, 610 Main St.) and attendees can bring blankets and chairs. In addition to crafts for sale on Artists Row, there is food available for purchase, including hot dogs, soft drinks, water, popcorn and pizza.

For more information, visit https://www.walthamarts.org/home.html or the Waltham Arts Council’s Facebook or Instagram accounts.

To sign up to participate in this year’s Artists Row, email info@walthamarts.org