Roger Salloom’s Annual Summer Concert

It’s hard to believe but Roger Salloom’s annual Summer Concert has been going on since 1983. That’s 40 years since the first one.

And the sad news… this may be the last one.

Yes this “highlight of the summer” is back again and ready to serenade you into a special summer evening in the Happy Valley.

When: Wednesday, August 16th, 6:30 PM (rain date August 17th)

Cost: Totally FREE

Location

This year the concert will return to Look Park’s beautiful Pines Theater. This is where Roger did his original show 40 years ago. So it will be a homecoming of sorts to return to this iconic, beautiful Northampton park.

Because the Pines Theater can easily accommodate up to 2000 attendees, we expect there to be plenty of room for people to safely spread out on the grass and enjoy a special night in the valley.

The best music on a Wednesday night for a hundred miles will rise up through the majestic pine trees. This show is the longest running and largest free concert in the area, so be sure not to miss out.

Picnics are ok, but no glass containers are allowed. The only exception is factory sealed water bottles. No food trucks or restaurant facilities will be available. There is no admission charge to the theater but parking costs $5.\

The History

This concert has always been about being free to the people. That was the whole deal in the beginning back in 1983. That was the purpose. Sure, we were playing music, but it was supposed to make people feel happy and good in a simple free way.

Emphasis on free.

It was an emulation of the concerts Roger and his whacked, idealistic, hippie band used to see in the late 60’s in Golden Gate Park. One learns from not having any money and they never had money. This concert is a result of that lesson: Give to your community.

The event grew to mark Roger’s life in its different stages as well….. existence was reaffirmed.

This will be the 40th year from when we started. When we started in1983 Northampton was a much different town. The Iron Horse was a narrow 90 seat venue for original music and that was about it. No Calvin, No Pearl St., no nothing…

At our Pines show, we put in poets to read the convocations, including Pulitzer Prize winner James Tate and Doug Anderson, who was voted Best Poet in Massachusetts, et al.

Long before a promoter brought in Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan or Ray Charles, we did it. Roger was initially guided by manager, Kevin O’Connor. We suspect we would do it until it no longer made sense. Well, it is still making sense.

Master of Ceremonies will be Rick Haggerty of WXOJ and his other radio syndicated stations.

Here’s a video that tells a bit more of the story.

The Music

Jamie Kent and Roger

Roger’s big band will be appearing, with special guest, and former Northampton resident, Jamie Kent opening the show

Jamie has turned into a big player in the Nashville music scene. He was named one of the 25 most fascinating people of 2020 by Nashville lifestyles magazine.

As Jamie says…

I grew up dancing to Roger’s tunes at his Look Park / Pines Theater concerts for the community, and I’ll most definitely be dancing to them again this year.

Learn more about Jamie Kent here.

For those unfamiliar with Roger’s music and why he’s been called “America’s best unknown songwriter,” you can learn more about his story here.

Roger is riding on a new crest of creativity after his Covid 19 hit song “I’m Free” has been received so well throughout the music community. Listen and learn more about the story behind “I’m Free” here.

These Sponsors are what make this concert free. Please support them.

This show is free due to the generosity of these patrons. Click below to learn more about each sponsor.

People’s Bank
Fitzwilly’s
Eastside Grill
Denny Nolan Real Estate
Mulino’s Restaurant
Robert’s Roofing
Webber & Grinnell Insurance
Paradise City Arts Festivals
Construct Associates
State St Fruit Store-Cooper’s Corner
Walter E. Bak-Financial Advisor
Union Station Restaurant
RentNoho.com
API LTD.

Roger Salloom’s Annual Summer Concert – 2023

It’s hard to believe but Roger Salloom’s annual Summer Concert has been going on since 1983. That’s 40 years since the first one.

And the sad news… this may be the last one.

Yes this “highlight of the summer” is back again and ready to serenade you into a special summer evening in the Happy Valley.

When: Wednesday, August 16th, 6:30 PM (rain date August 17th)

Cost: Totally FREE

Location

This year the concert will return to Look Park’s beautiful Pines Theater. This is where Roger did his original show 40 years ago. So it will be a homecoming of sorts to return to this iconic, beautiful Northampton park.

Because the Pines Theater can easily accommodate up to 2000 attendees, we expect there to be plenty of room for people to safely spread out on the grass and enjoy a special night in the valley.

The best music on a Wednesday night for a hundred miles will rise up through the majestic pine trees. This show is the longest running and largest free concert in the area, so be sure not to miss out.

Picnics are ok, but no glass containers are allowed. The only exception is factory sealed water bottles. No food trucks or restaurant facilities will be available. There is no admission charge to the theater but parking costs $5.\

The History

This concert has always been about being free to the people. That was the whole deal in the beginning back in 1983. That was the purpose. Sure, we were playing music, but it was supposed to make people feel happy and good in a simple free way.

Emphasis on free.

The Music

Roger’s big band will be appearing, with special guest, and former Northampton resident, Jamie Kent opening the show

Jamie has turned into a big player in the Nashville music scene. He was named one of the 25 most fascinating people of 2020 by Nashville lifestyles magazine.

As Jamie says…

I grew up dancing to Roger’s tunes at his Look Park / Pines Theater concerts for the community, and I’ll most definitely be dancing to them again this year.

Learn more about Jamie Kent here.

For those unfamiliar with Roger’s music and why he’s been called “America’s best unknown songwriter,” you can learn more about his story here.

Roger is riding on a new crest of creativity after his Covid 19 hit song “I’m Free” has been received so well throughout the music community. Listen and learn more about the story behind “I’m Free” here.

Sponsors

This show is free due to the generosity of these patrons. Click below to learn more about each sponsor.

People’s Bank

Fitzwilly’s

Eastside Grill

Denny Nolan Real Estate

Mulino’s Restaurant

Robert’s Roofing

Webber & Grinnell Insurance

Paradise City Arts Festivals

Construct Associates

State St Fruit Store-Cooper’s Corner

Walter E. Bak-Financial Advisor

Union Station Restaurant

RentNoho.com

API LTD.