The Morgan Arts Council launches the 22nd season for Summer Concerts in the Park on July 12, 2008. The free concert series has something for every taste from blues music to modern jazz, reggae and SKA.

The summer concert series was the brainchild of the late Linda Fallon, introduced in 1987 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Morgan Arts Council. In the years since, it has become MAC’s best known program drawing more than 40,000 attendees over the years, many returning year after year.

All concerts are held at 5:30pm in downtown Berkeley Springs State Park
Rain location: the Ice House

2008 Summer Concert Schedule

The Carl M. Freeman Foundation is proud to sponsor the Morgan Arts Council's 2008 Summer Concert Series

July 12, 2008 -- MAMA JAMA
Since 1990, Mama Jama have been intoxicating music lovers with their eclectic blend of rock, reggae, calypso and blues. This eclectic six-person group based in the Chesapeake Bay includes musicians from Liberia as well as the US. They are the masters of improvisational rhythms as well as original music and lyrics. They have previously performed to great acclaim in Berkeley Springs.

July 19, 2008 -- TERENCE McARDLE & BIG TROUBLE
Formed in 1992, this blues and swing band is deeply rooted in the history of blues. Their original combination of swinging guitar, rough hewn vocals, swinging shuffle grooves and a hot and pulsing horn section sounds both retro and modern.

July 26, 2008 -- HICKORY WIND
This four-piece WV acoustic group arranged this reunion especially for Berkeley
Springs where they originated at Coolfont Resort in the late 1970s. Their
original music, rooted in bluegrass, is filled with unusual rhythms, refreshing
harmonies and a startling combination of European and classical influences.
They have four recordings.

August 2, 2008 -- THE HARWELL GRICE BAND
A hard-driving progressive bluegrass band with original songwriting and classic harmonies. The five-person group is based in Southwest Virginia and has been performing together since 2004.

August 9, 2008 -- S.T.O.R.M.
An authentic four-person reggae band from Jamaica now based in Washington, DC. They have a recently completed video and recording with songs high on global playlists, and perform with a long list of recognized artists including the band Culture and original rapper Daddy U-Roy.

August 16, 2008 -- LARRY TAYLOR AND CHICAGO BLUES
A true Chicago blues band led by ferocious drummer, Larry Taylor. Four three decades, Larry has sung and drummed with a legion of blues greats appearing on more than a score of recordings. He has performed at blues venues and festivals from Chicago to Mississippi to West Virginia, and has toured Europe.

August 23, 2008 -- WEST BOUND TRAIN
A notable SKA septet from Boston, their music is a bridge between ‘60s staples like reggae, soul and blues and modern approaches with touches of jazz and country. They have toured Europe, have three recordings and were nominated for two Boston Music Awards in 2007.

August 30, 2008 -- MODERN GROOVE SYNDICATE
A notable classic jazz stylist and Peabody Conservatory graduate who
performs regularly at the Hippodrome, in film and in various jazz and
cabaret settings in Baltimore and Washington DC.