As temperatures rise, so does excitement for Scarborough’s 25th annual free summer concert series, hosted by the Scarborough Chamber of Commerce. With a carefully curated lineup of old favorites and fresh talent, this year may be its best yet. At least, that’s the hope of Art Dillon, who has overseen the series for twenty years.
The concerts started as small events on the lawn of Scarborough Public Library. A turnout of forty people was considered “terrific”. Then they moved to Memorial Park, Art got involved, and things grew – a lot. Art is not a half-measures kind of guy. Once, when asked to invite a politician to the Chamber’s annual meeting, he invited President George W. Bush and says he almost got him. He admits to having “entrepreneurial drive”. He naturally applied it to the concert series, asking questions and pitching ideas. “I really want to do it right.”
By all measures, Art has succeeded. Today, the series attracts 6,000 to 9,000 people each year (depending on weather), raises thousands of dollars for local scholarships, and is known as one of the best, most well-run concert series in the area. Art gets regular calls from bands that want to play in it. A survey of concertgoers once showed people from 18 communities coming to enjoy the free concerts.
One of Art’s favorite concert memories was surprising his mother on her 70th birthday. He got a tent and invited forty of her nieces and nephews to meet at the concert, where they laughed, danced, and sang to Motor Booty Affair.
Art is quick to recognize others who have contributed to the concerts’ growth. Fellow Chamber members help organize and sell raffle tickets, the Rotary Club does concessions, and Community Services does trash removal and lawn maintenance.
Concerts in the Park is a completely free, family friendly event. It goes on rain or shine. In wet weather, the show moves to the Scarborough High School auditorium, which seats 700. See you there!
To learn more, visit the Chamber’s concert website.
2024 CONCERTS IN THE PARK
June 27: Something Stupid | “Maine’s most entertaining function/cover band”
July 3: 195th Army Band | Independence Day kick-off
July 11: Don Campbell | Scarborough native singer-songwriter
July 18: Motor Booty Affair | “The ultimate disco party band”
July 25: Hello Newman | 90s and 00s tribute band
August 1: Yellow Brick Road | Elton John tribute bands
All shows start at 6:30.
