MetWinds Free Outdoor Concert: "Invitation to the Dance!"

MetWinds Band Concert at Hastings Park: “Invitation to the Dance!” 

MetWinds will present four outdoor concerts this summer on Thursday nights in July, beginning on July 10th, at Hastings Park, located at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Worthen Road in Lexington, Massachusetts. These concerts are free to the public and will run, weather permitting, from 7:30 to 8:30pm on July 10th, July 17th, July 24th, and July 31st.

On Thursday, July 24th at 7:30pm please join the MetWinds and guest conductor Gabe Southard for “Invitation to the Dance!” This exciting program is made up of dance music from around the world, including Armenia, Venezuela, Germany, Mexico, Russia, and the USA. Highlights include the ever popular Mambo from “West Side Story” by Bernstein, the spicy Danzon No. 2 by Marquez, and the relaxing Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss. So whether you prefer fast rhythmic dances or just relaxing by a river, there is something for you! Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Each summer concert is free of charge and open to the public. The grounds at Hastings Park will open each evening for picnic at 6:00pm. Guests should bring their own food, lawn chairs, blankets, and so on. There is plenty of free parking and the concert location is handicapped-accessible. In the event of inclement weather, concert cancellations will be posted on our website and a message will be left  on our concert line.

Visit the MetWinds web page at http://www.metwinds.org or call the MetWinds Concert Line at (978) 419-1697 for more information. Email info@metwinds.org with any questions.

You may also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. 

About the Guest Conductor: Dr. Robert “Gabe” Southard joined Gordon College in the Fall of 2022 as Associate Teaching Professor of Music and conductor of the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. He is also the Wind Ensemble conductor for the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras. Prior to joining Gordon’s music faculty, Dr. Southard served as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Head of Instrumental Music Education, and Head of Winds and Brass Area at Hope College, MI. Dr. Southard completed his DMA in Conducting at Michigan State University where he studied with Professor John Whitwell. Prior to this, Dr. Southard served as Wind Symphony Conductor and Flute Instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint. He also holds degrees from University of Wisconsin Madison and Ithaca College. Dr. Southard is also an active orchestrator and performer on flute. He served as principal flute of the Holland Symphony Orchestra, MI for several years and has performed with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Lucca Opera Orchestra, Italy, as well as a number of community orchestras. Dr. Southard was a semi-finalist in the National Flute Association’s Piccolo Artist competition and winner of the 2016 Convention Performers Competition. 

About MetWinds: Founded by Jerry Gardner in 1971, the Metropolitan Wind Symphony, a concert band, is currently celebrating its 54th anniversary. The MetWinds comprises over 70 talented woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists who audition for membership and seating. It makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of the Greater Boston community by providing its audiences with high quality concerts and its members with opportunities for musical growth.

This and other concerts by the MetWinds are funded in part by the Lexington Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.