The most recent announcement from the Lowell Summer Music Series is for a triptych of musicians (and not a trio, since they are all doing their own sets).  I’m pleased to announce that Ben Taylor, Heather Maloney, and Adam Ezra will perform at the Series on Friday, August 15.

Lowell Summer Music Series

The only one of these fine performers who I have seen is Adam Ezra, although I have only seem him with a band, but I’ve heard great things about Ben and Heather.

Ben Taylor (Official Photo)

“Listening [Ben’s first album in four years] flawlessly fuses the sounds and styles of folk, pop, soul, urban, reggae and country, and is, as Ben says, “an evolution.” A self-described ‘late bloomer’ musically, Ben didn’t start singing until his early 20s. The hesitation is understandable, given the daunting example of success set by his parents, James Taylor and Carly Simon. While Ben thought of other vocations he could pursue, including a wilderness guide or martial arts instructor, he was drawn to the family business. Ben had a true affinity for music, and not surprisingly, a love for words.”

Heather is an artist who’s been on my radar but every time she’s done a local show I’ve previously committed to another show.

Heather Maloney (Official Photo)

The press information states that “Heather Maloney is a western Massachusetts-based artist who has received numerous accolades for her startlingly soulful voice and literate songwriting exploring themes of spirituality, transformation, and impermanence. Critics are quickly discovering Maloney’s talent with No Depression raving “Her music is riveting, her voice adventurous, her lyrics thought-provoking…” while Blurt Magazine wrote “Heather Maloney is one of the most talented tradition-based singer-songwriters I’ve heard in some time…the writing is stunning.””

I have truly enjoyed Adam Ezra’s performances in the past, and think that a [rare] solo show by him is something I do not want to miss.

Adam Ezra (Official Photo)

“Ezra has spent time living out of a van, farming in Canada, volunteering for the relief effort in Kosovo, and practicing environmental geography in South Africa. Whether as a kitchen hand or carpenter, teacher, athlete, or traveler, Ezra crams it all into the music, always challenging our perspective and often teetering somewhere between the ballsy rocker and sensitive poet.” I didn’t realize he’s such an interesting person!

Tickets for the Ben Taylor, Heather Maloney and Adam Ezra show are priced at $25 in advance (fee-free!), $30 on the day of the show (if available), and children 12 and under are always free courtesy of Eastern Bank. There are also premium seats – beach chairs are provided by the Series – set in two rows directly in front of the stage for $75.  Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 7 at 9 a.m. through Lowell Summer Music Series.

For those of you who are unaware of the  Series, or if you are aware of it but have never attended a show there, it is an outdoor (weather permitting) concert series held on National Park Service grounds in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Series is not-for-profit, which helps keep the ticket prices reasonable.

Surrounding Boarding House Park are old mill buildings, part of the Lowell National Historical Park, which you can tour if you arrive early enough. They provide an unusual setting for an evening of great music and ambiance.

The Series generally runs from late June to early September.

This Series is dear to my heart. I have been a season pass holder since 2007 and it is one of the highlights of the year (and of summer in particular) for me. Many lasting friendships have been made there. I expect this will be an especially excellent year since they are celebrating their 25th season!

I will post additional announcements for the Series as they are made.

Shows announced to date are:

Ziggy Marley – Thursday, June 19

Delta Rae – Friday, June 20

Amos Lee – Saturday, June 21

Lucinda Williams – Friday, June 27

Neko Case – Saturday, June 28

Trombone Shorty – Thursday, July 10

Andrew Bird – Saturday, July 12

Barenaked Ladies – Saturday, July 19

Howie Day and Carbon Leaf – Saturday, August 2

Marcia Ball – Friday, August 8

Gregg Allman – Saturday, August 9

JJ Grey and Mofro – Thursday, August 14

Ben Taylor, Heather Maloney and Adam Ezra – Friday, August 15

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band – Saturday, August 16

Peter Wolf & The Midnight Travelers – Friday, August 22

Classic Albums Live – Friday, September 5