The Salem Summer Concert Series Committee is excited to welcome the public to the Orashan Memorial Civic Center at Waterworth Memorial Park for 14 nights of free musical concerts in a variety of genres as part of the 2024 Summer Concert Series beginning 6 p.m. June 2. Pictured from left are Parks Director and Summer Concert Series Committee Member Jacob Logan, and Committee Members Melissa Costa, Joy Cable, and BJ Abrams. Not pictured is Parks Commission President and Committee Member John Panezott. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

SALEM — The Salem Summer Concert Committee and the Salem Parks & Recreation Department will continue to provide the public with free musical concerts this summer with a mixture of returning favorites and new performers set to take the stage as part of the annual Summer Concert Series.

According to a press release, the “Best Free Entertainment in Salem” is set to begin for the year with a three-concert run featuring local musicians. The Manhattan band with Rich and Lori Juhn will open the season on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m., followed by the Salem Quaker City Band’s “Bravo Broadway!” themed performance, directed by Robert Barnett at 7 p.m. June 7, and Backbeat with John Reese to perform oldies and pop at 6 p.m. June 9.

This year’s series also features two special concerts with the Kings Brass set for a concert at the Salem High School Auditorium 6 p.m. July 28, and Jimmy and the Soul Blazers featuring at the Salem Alumni Night Concert 6 p.m. Aug. 11, alongside the “Cars of the Decades” display.

The Sunday evening concert library features various genres and should have “something for almost everyone,” according to the release including: light rock, jazz, oldies, country, dance favorites, and modern polka.

The 2024 Summer Series will conclude Sunday, Aug. 25 with The Fleetwood Mac tribute band Fleetwood Gold, and a showcase of vehicles by the Mahoning Valley Corvette Club.

All concerts are free to the public and made possible by contributions from local businesses, individuals and cultural grants from Salem Community Foundation’s Charles F. Fox Memorial Fund, the Pearce Foundation, City of Salem, Tourism Advisory Board of Salem, and Perry Township. All donors are recognized in the weekly programs. Those interested in supporting the Summer Series can make contributions in person at any of the featured concerts, or can be mailed to “Salem Community Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Salem, Ohio 44460” with “Summer Concerts” on the memo line.

“The Summer Concert Committee is extremely grateful for the generous individuals and businesses who financially help to sponsor the concerts and also provide donations for the weekly gift basket drawing,” said Committee Member Melissa Costa.

In addition to the musical performances, 50/50, and basket raffle tickets will be sold at each concert with baskets donated by local businesses. Deborah Cappa’s concession trailer will also be on-site selling sandwiches and soft drinks, including DiRusso’s Real Italian Sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions.

Parking for the concerts is available off Sunset Boulevard accessible from North Lincoln Avenue and is also available off the Superior Avenue entrance with limited handicap accessible parking.

Concert attendees are reminded to bring their own lawn chairs and choose their spot in the amphitheater-style seating and are encouraged to follow the Salem Summer Concert Series on the “Salem Ohio Concerts” Facebook page, for additional information. Information will also be published weekly in this newspaper and Morning Journal.

All concerts save the July 28, special concert by the Kings Brass will be held at the Orashan Memorial Civic Center commonly called the “band shell,” and the full 2024 concert schedule includes:

Sunday, June 2, 6 p.m., Manhattan, dance music from the 60s to the present.

Friday, June 7, 7 p.m., Salem Quaker City Band, “Broadway Bravo!”

Sunday, June 9, 6 p.m., Backbeat with John Reese, local favorite performing oldies, Motown and pop music.

Sunday, June 16, 6 p.m., The Chardon Polka Band, a modern polka band for a new generation.

Sunday, June 23, 6 p.m., 2nd Avenue Project, classy jazz, soul, Latin, and light rock.

Sunday, June 30, 6 p.m., Salem Quaker City Band, “An American Celebration.”

Sunday, July 14, 6 p.m., Cin City & The Saints, classic rock, Motown, oldies.

Sunday, July 21, 6 p.m., The Ovation Band, music from the 1940s to today’s pop and dance favorites.

Friday, July 26, 7 p.m., Salem Quaker City Band, “Dance!”

Sunday, July 28, 6 p.m., Salem High School Auditorium, The Kings Brass, touring brass band performing Christian & patriotic music.

Sunday, Aug. 4, 6 p.m., John Hampu Band, classic rock from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Sunday, Aug. 11, 6 p.m., Salem High School Alumni Night with Jimmy and the Soul Blazers, a high energy show of Motown music and “Cars of the Decades” display.

Sunday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m., Four Kings & A Queen, blues, Motown, jazz, and classic rock group from Geneva.

Sunday, Aug. 25, 6 p.m., Fleetwood Gold, Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band and “Mahoning Valley Corvette Club” Showcase.