Summer Stroll next Friday
MELROSE — The Melrose Chamber of Commerce and the City of Melrose will host the Eighth Annual Summer Stroll on Friday, July 30. Come to downtown Melrose from 6 to 9 p.m., brush off those COVID blues, and be reminded of what makes our community so special: You and your neighbors!
In order to create a spacious pedestrian walkway, Main Street between Upham and Grove Streets and part of Essex Street will be closed to vehicles. Pedestrians will enjoy moving back and forth throughout the evening… shopping, browsing, eating and grooving to live music in several locations.
In addition to live entertainment, restaurants will sell and serve food and beverages on the sidewalk, while local merchants will offer specials, demos and sales at their businesses.
With the generous support of our 2021 Summer Stroll Presenting Sponsor The Residence at Melrose Station, a Grant from the Melrose Messina Fund for the Arts, the Summer Stroll is a fun evening of live music, dining and shopping locally. Patronize your favorite restaurants and retailers, while visiting ones that are new to you.
Many thanks to the support of local businesses, Bell & Izzi, Eastern Bank, Evolved Mechanical, Melrose Glass, Small Town Systems and 128 Plumbing and Heating. Their generous donations will provide multiple, live musical performances by area musicians, as well as a magical illusionist, who will be entertaining event goers along Main Street and Essex Street.
“The Summer Stroll is one of four signature community events organized each year by the Chamber and our members, to help promote Melrose’s vibrant downtown and allow the community to gather in one place for a fun evening out,” says Chamber Executive Director, Jennifer Manning.
The 2021 entertainment includes such Melrose based acts as:
Blue of a Kind
Founded in 2005, Blue of a Kind is passionately committed to inspiring and enlightening audiences with a lively repertoire and charming style. The ensemble has experience performing at numerous venues and events in the greater Boston area and beyond, and is known for its spirited renditions of the classics from many traditions including Rock, Spirituals, Sea Chanteys, and much more. Blue of a Kind embodies the spirit of a cappella, and invites you to join them at the Melrose Summer Stroll, on their vibrant musical journey.
The Coyne Family
Melrose residents return to play traditional Irish music. They regularly perform all around the Boston area.
Onset Music School – showcase performances
Owned by Melrose resident BJ Wass, Onset School of Music has taught and inspired many local students with their experienced network of upbeat instructor/musicians. The facility features a performance stage, 12 spacious lesson rooms, ensemble studios, a coffee house/lounge, and a game room.
Brian & Carol
Roots music, fiddle, guitar, vocals and fun. Brian Nolan and Carol Gyurina of the Melrose band, Jiblantos, have teamed up as a duo for the Summer Stroll.
Silverwood Duo
Julianne Johnston plays flute and saxophones to Barry Johnston’s guitar, enjoying a range of classical and jazz styles. Julianne is a classically trained flutist with years of orchestral and small ensemble experience. Taking up jazz led her to add the alto and soprano saxes to her repertoire. Barry started in high school rock bands and now plays both classical and jazz guitar. They love playing together and perform frequently as a duo in the Boston area, and also with larger groups.
Johnny O & Marianne + Diana
Vocals, keyboard and guitars performing classic rock, blues, and singer/songwriter material.
Charles and Chloe Dimmick
Charles and Chloe Dimmick are a father/daughter violin duo. Charles is the Concertmaster of the Boston Pops Esplanade, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Chloe (aged 10) is the first place winner of the 2021 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Junior Fiddle Championship and will be attending the prestigious Greenwood Music Camp this summer, where Charles teaches violin and chamber music. At the Melrose Summer Stroll, their set will feature Classical and Pops favorites as well as a bit of Scottish music. Along with Chloe’s mom (and Charles’ wife), the flutist Rachel Braude, they are proud residents of Melrose where Charles maintains a private violin studio and Chloe is a rising fifth grader at the Roosevelt School.
TIMKO & Co.
Tim is a busy Boston area musician and can be found performing in several acts of varied styles, plus hosting singer/songwriter showcases, weekly open mics ( www.BostonLovesMusic.com ) and coordinating special events, including several Melrose based ventures, such as the Four Corners Music Fest. TIMKO is celebrating the release of a solo acoustic album, recorded live at a house concert a few weeks before the pandemic shutdown in 2020.
For more information about the Summer Stroll, please contact Jennifer Manning, Executive Director, Melrose Chamber of Commerce at jennifer@melrosechamber.org or 781-665-3033. This is a rain or shine event.
