Free Summer Breeze Concert Schedules Announced

By WYDaily Staff Monday, June 20, 2011

The annual Merchants Square Summer Breeze Concert Series in Williamsburg returns this week to celebrate its 20th year of free music.

The regular series runs July 6-Aug. 24, although this year two additional concerts have been added on a pair of Saturdays: June 25 and July 2. The regular series runs weekly on Wednesdays, with all the action taking place on Merchants Square on Duke of Gloucester Street.

Beginning with the July 6 concert, Merchants Square also offers children’s entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. including face painting, bubble making and clowns.

For more information about weather-related cancellations, please click here for the Merchants Square website or call the events hotline on concert days: (757) 565-8889.

All concerts are free, and are sponsored by Merchants Square, the City of Williamsburg, Legacy Financial Group and the York County Arts Commission.

This year's schedule includes:

Saturday, June 25, 6 to 7:15 p.m. - Peninsula Concert Band - The 60-member concert band from Newport News plays a variety of music from show tunes to marches and pop standards.

Saturday, July 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - U.S. Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band - Back for the 20th year, the full Heritage of America concert band will play American favorites and patriotic tunes in honor of Independence Day.

Wednesday, July 6, 7 to 9 p.m. - Kings of Swing - This versatile dance and show band from Richmond plays beach music, Motown favorites and everyone's favorite music of the 1970s - 1990s.

Wednesday, July 13, 7 to 9 p.m. - B2B Band - This seven-member Jimmy Buffett tribute band hails from Richmond. While Jimmy Buffet is the inspiration, B2B covers a wide variety of music from The Beatles to Kenny Chesney, plus some original tunes of their own.

Wednesday, July 20, 7 to 9 p.m. - Sharon Rae North - This Ohio-born singer performed extensively in Atlanta and recently relocated to Richmond. Sharon sings jazz and standards and often adds in some jazz versions of R&B and Top 40 hits. A special opening act, the opening act of "Aladdin Jr." by Stagelights, will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27, 7 to 9 p.m. - Slapwater - Virginia’s premier party and dance band, a.k.a. “The Lords of Longevity,” has earned numerous awards while delighting crowds in Hampton Roads for more than 30 years.

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - USAF Rhythm in Blue Ensemble - A versatile 13-piece ensemble that performs a wide variety of jazz, blues and funk.

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - USAF Heritage Ramblers Ensemble - Heritage Ramblers bring the New Orleans and Chicago styles of traditional jazz to life in each performance.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - USAF Blue Aces Ensemble - The energetic productions of this 10-piece ensemble encompass a wide variety of musical styles.

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - USAF Heritage of America Band - The Langley-based concert band plays a mixture of old favorites and modern works.