Three Great Outdoor Shows Tonight in Bedford

What to do when there are three great opportunities to hear outdoor music on a lovely summer night?

Fear not, we’ve got what you need to know about tonight’s shows, including the artists, the prices and the target audience.

Weather forecasts call for a clear, cool night—so skip the chores at home and get out!

Summer Sunset Concert Series

Pack a picnic and bring your lawnchairs—the Bookends headline the first in a series of six, free summer concerts sponsored by the Bedford Recreation and Parks department. Held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. from Jun. 29 – Aug. 3.

The shows are held on a rotating basis at each of the town’s three main parks; the series kicks off tonight at the Katonah Memorial Park.

The Bookends bring 30 years of stage experience to Katonah, and the sounds of pop and rock artists from the 60s and 70s. Their playlist includes covers from Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen.

The Summer Sunset Series has a history stretching back more than 20 years, according to parks officials. Formerly known as "People in the Park," the series has become a tried-and-true form of family-friendly entertainment in town. For the full summer lineup, click here.

What to know before you go: It’s free, and it’s in a wide-open space; the kids can run around and dance while Mom and Dad tap their feet from the lawn chairs.

Shades of Jazz

The Katonah Musem of Art welcomes guitarist John Scofield for a sixth season as the host for talents the bebop and free jazz music communities. Picnicking is also welcome at the museum's Sculpture Garden, where the shows are to be held.

Tonight’s performance is by saxophonist Joe Lovano, with vocalist Judi Silvano and friends. Scofield will jam with the artists onstage at the conclusion of the performance. For information on the next Shades of Jazz, click here.

What to know before you go:

The museum’s website bills the event as a “great evening of music in an intimate setting.” It’s possible that the atmosphere is slightly less conducive to kids running around and dancing. The cost is $10 for museum members, $20 non-members; admission includes complimentary beer and wine. In the event of rain, performances will be moved to the Katonah Village Library located on 26 Bedford Road.

Caramoor's Dancing at Dusk

at Caramoor's Friends Field, these shows are designed with families in mind. Blankets, chairs and picnics are welcome, but you may also purchase food on-site for these dinner-hour timed performances, each planned with a different theme. 

Activities are available for toddlers through pre-teens, according to arts center officials, as are opportunities to dance, meet the musicians and touch the instruments. Tonight's show is "Irish Music with a Global Twist." For advance tickets, click here:  http://www.caramoor.org

What to know before you go: If you'd like to introduce your children to instruments and real musicians in a relaxed setting, this show is for you. It's low-cost, with tickets at $10 adult for adults and $5 per child.