By Kate Bartlett
Nothing beats enjoying live outdoor music in the warm summer evenings, especially when the performers are world renown. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is again offering free concerts in the Buffalo area parks during the months of July and August, in addition to their ticketed special concert events. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and a picnic basket and mark your calendars for the following events. All concerts start at 7 pm unless otherwise noted, and are free of charge, no registration required.
Tuesday, July 12: BPO Brass at Bidwell Park – Sit back and relax to the brass ensemble in the heart of the Elmwood Village. Stroll the shops and grab dinner or ice cream before at one of the many restaurants within walking distance to the parks.
Wednesday, July 13: Northpark Academy – enjoy the beauty of the academy lawn and the sounds of the BPO on Parkside Ave in North Buffalo. Stroll the shops, restaurants and bars at nearby Hertel avenue, home to the famous Buffalo Italian Festival every summer.
Friday, July 15: Olmstead 200 Celebration at Cazenovia Park – Come celebrate the 200th birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted with the BPO and Olmsted Parks Conservancy. The program will include music inspired by nature and honors the cultures that make up the Buffalo community, including works with Irish, Polish, Hispanic, and Black and African American roots. Rain date Saturday July 16.
Sunday, July 17: Niawanda Park – Soak in the last hours of the weekend along the beautiful waterfront of Niawanda Park in Tonawanda. Grab dinner or ice cream at nearby Mississippi Muds or Old Man River. Stroll or bike the miles of the paved waterfront bike path before the show.
Tuesday, July 26: Bassett Park – the BPO brings the music to Williamsville at this beautiful town park on Klein road.
Wednesday July 27: Clarence Town Park – the BPO finishes off their outdoor summer concert series in the parks in sprawling Clarence Town Park with stunning creek views just off Main Street.
Thursday, July 28 : M&T Plaza Downtown Buffalo – bring a lunch and enjoy one of the many free midday concerts in the M&T concert series. Take in the best of Summer in the City with the BPO.
Remember to check for weather cancellations on their website and follow on social media. Enjoy the music!