This Summer at Sands Point Preserve: Outdoor Concerts, Chamber Music and Jam Sessions

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy invites the public to Music at the Preserve, a summer concert series featuring a variety of live music genres through outdoor and indoor performances during the spring and summer.

From intimate woodland jam sessions to symphonic concerts and high-energy tribute bands, the summer lineup transforms the Preserve’s historic landscape into a destination for music, nature and community.

“Music always brings people together, and this season’s lineup reflects the many ways audiences can experience the Preserve, from relaxed afternoons in the woods to performances on our Great Lawn and in our historic venues,” said Jeremiah Bosgang, Executive Director of Sands Point Preserve Conservancy. “We’re excited to welcome the community to enjoy exceptional music surrounded by the beauty of the Preserve.”

Starting in May and running through August, the Preserve presents Ice House Jams with live music on select Sundays from 12-3 p.m. at the Ice House, the Preserve’s newest outdoor gathering space tucked behind Castle Gould. Free with park admission and weather permitting, the series features performances curated by Homebrew Music. Here, guests can unwind in lounge seating beside the pond and enjoy a changing lineup of local artists. The casual sessions highlight the Preserve’s commitment to community-driven arts programming and offer a family-friendly afternoon of live music in nature.

On June 7 at 3 p.m., the Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics,” under the direction of Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Concetta Stevens. The program features music from Star Wars, Superman, and Cyberworld 3D, along with a medley Salute to the Cinema. There is also a Louis Armstrong tribute, and performances by guest vocalists Karen Murphy and Joe Stroppel. Broadway highlights include selections from The Music Man, Oliver!, and Wildcat, offering a nostalgic journey through the Golden Age of the stage. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and enjoy the scenic Preserve grounds before the performance.

The Preserve’s music series continues June 30 from 6-8:30 p.m. with the Summer Kickoff Jam featuring Shakedown Citi, a Grateful Dead-inspired jam ensemble known for spontaneous, high-energy performances rooted in improvisation and musical exploration. Rain or shine, the concert features live music and a laid-back atmosphere either on the Great Lawn, or in the event of inclement weather, inside the Preserve’s Black Box Theater. Attendees can bring picnic dinners or enjoy offerings from food trucks during the performance.

On July 12 at 3 p.m., the Preserve’s acclaimed Four Seasons in Music series continues with “Summer’s Day,” pairing world-class chamber music with poetry and storytelling under Artistic Director Kathryn Lockwood. The performance features internationally renowned musicians including duoJalal (Lockwood and Yousif Sheronick), Debbie Buck, Min-Young Kim, Caroline Stinson and Alan Kay. Exploring themes of heritage, resilience and cultural legacy, the program includes works by Dawn Avery, Jessie Montgomery, Jessica Meyer, Rebecca Clarke, Charles Yang, George Gershwin, Johannes Brahms, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonín Dvořák. The performance concludes with a themed reception for audiences and artists alike.

Closing the season on August 25 from 6-8:30 p.m., The Everly Set delivers a tribute to the Everly Brothers, bringing the timeless hits of this iconic musical duo. The evening performance offers a nostalgic journey through classic early rock-and-roll hits.

For more information, and for advance tickets and parking information, please visit www.sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.