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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing Article Summaries |
New England Music Camp: The Best of Many Worlds
Campers perform for local residents at a weekend afternoon concert in the Bowl in the Pines. Here in central Maine, one of the best scenarios in life is free: awesome music, wholesome youth, majestic pines, lakeside breezes, and a good place to bring children and picnics. The 200-acre New England Music Camp on Lake Messalonskee in Sidney is a setting summer dreams are made of. Off the beaten path (Route 23) and close to the water, the outdoor concert site features the "Bowl-in-the- Pines," over 70 years old and reputed to be one of the largest outdoor stages in the country. Each Sunday at 3 p.m., concerts by aspiring student musicians in the Bowl include Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Chorale presentations. On selected weekends the Stage and Jazz Bands also perform. There are performances at the Bowl on some Saturdays and several weekdays as well. One of the more popular dates of the summer is "Maine Appreciation Day," July 20 this year, when starting at 1 pm over 25 crafters and artists provide displays prior to the concert. In addition to the afternoon outdoor concerts, NEMC offers a weekly schedule of evening performances on Wednesday and Friday nights, some by students, some by counselors, and some by the faculty. These are open to the public at no charge and are held at Alumni Hall on the camp grounds. There are only two concerts during the summer that charge a donation, the 29th Annual Summer POPS, held at the Messalonskee Perfoming Arts Center in Oakland July 5, and Augusta 2, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and the entire proceeds benefit the camp. Don't let this summer slip by without a visit to the region's most unique, and free, music performances. If music isn't the attraction, let the experience, the history, and the setting be. Camp officially opens on Sunday, June 22. The concert schedule starts Wednesday, June 25. For information about concerts call | ||
