July 2008

In our third segment on summer neighborhood activities, we discovered more free concerts. Click here to review our previous recommendations.

Minneapolis
Do you like the spontaneity of improv? How about a Shakespearean classic? Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of free outdoor concerts, movies, plays and dance performances in Minneapolis parks.

Newark, New Jersey
Subscriber Demetra Jones writes: The free Summer Music Concert Series is held in parks throughout the Essex County Park System. Artists for this year's series include Dionne Warwick, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the hottest acts in jazz, doo wop, rock, reggae, latin and more!

New York City
Subscriber Demetra Jones also suggests: Bryant Park offers several exciting — and FREE — summer events including Tai Chi and Yoga classes, an outdoor movie festival and daily 5 PM concerts featuring classical, jazz and in between.

Also in New York City, subscriber Rita Sokoloski raves about the free Sunday afternoon parlor concerts at the Manhattan home of Miss Marjorie Eliot. The concerts, which have been featured on NPR, draw some of New York City's top talent. (NOTE: Though the website hasn't been updated recently, call Miss Marjorie for more info.)

Omaha
Enjoy free live music under the stars each Thursday night throughout the summer as the Joslyn Art Museum presents Jazz on the Green.

San Francisco
Located across the street from SFMOMA and the new Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents free music, theatre, dance, educational and children's programs reflective of the Bay Area's rich culture and creativity. (I recently enjoyed a fun afternoon basking in the music of Omar Sosa and his band at this gorgeous venue.)