Swampscott Garden Music Gathering Continues to Cultivate Connections
Music, gardens, art, and community will come together on Sunday, July 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Linscott Park for the Swampscott Garden Music Gathering—a free afternoon overlooking the ocean celebrating creativity, nature, and neighborly connections.
The festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. with a lively community drum circle led by Philip Alexander, who will provide a variety of drums and percussion instruments for everyone to enjoy. No experience is necessary—participants of all ages are invited to join in and make music together.
At 2:00 p.m., Tom Reid, Paul Todisco, and Wendy Linkin of The Boomerangs will perform favorite hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Then, at 2:30 p.m., Mike Brison and Philip Alexander will perform a mix of classic favorites. Local musicians are encouraged to bring an instrument, play a tune, or simply join the fun. The newest addition is Susan Sampson, visiting all the way from Santa Cruz, CA.
In between sets, Grab the Bagel, a non-profit social enterprise, will be donating Assorted Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese and lemonade for guests, along with bagel sandwiches for each musician. Owner, Dave Aldrich, believes in “random acts of bagels.” All proceeds of Grab the Bagel fund local causes — from Make-A-Wish projects for sick children in Marblehead to donations for the Marblehead Counseling Center, police and fire stations, and the Temple Emanu-El’s Taste of the North Shore.
Claire Donnelly, a talented local artist who experiments with watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, spray paint, wood, and clay, is always pushing the boundaries. Claire will lead a collaborative community mural, inviting everyone to add their own creative touch.
Gardeners are invited to participate in an optional Surprise Garden Swap. Bring a small tote bag containing a garden treasure—perhaps a plant, cutting, flowers, herbs, berries, or vegetables—and exchange it for another surprise from a fellow gardener.
Guests are also invited to sketch, write, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. A limited number of complimentary sketch pads, small journals, and pencils will be available while supplies last.
Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket, your favorite musical instrument, a sketchbook, or simply yourself. Whether you'd like to sing along, create art, chat with neighbors, or enjoy a peaceful summer afternoon by the ocean, everyone is welcome.
The Garden Music Gathering is a new chapter inspired by the beloved Swampscott Garden Art Walk, originally founded by ReachArts. Over the years, the Garden Art Walk welcomed visitors into private gardens throughout town and sparked countless friendships among gardeners, artists, musicians, and neighbors.
While this year's event does not include the traditional garden stroll, it continues the Garden Art Walk's spirit of bringing people together. The goal is simple: reconnect old friends, welcome new ones, and continue cultivating the friendships and community connections that have grown through Swampscott's gardening, music, and arts community.
Come relax, reconnect, create, and celebrate a summer afternoon where music, gardens, and friendship continue to bloom.