Welcome to the 2025 Summer Concert Series!
Thursdays @ 7:00pm
The 2025 Ballard Park Concerts are made possible in part by the Town of Westport, Chazy Westport Communications, Champlain National Bank, Stewart’s Shops, Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation, Essex County Arts Council’s Cultural Assistance Program grant with funding from Essex County, and many generous supporters.
In case of rain, most performances will move to the Whallonsburg Grange on the same day and time. Other alternative locations will be announced soon. Food can be purchased from Winton’s 1898 Tavern at Ballard Park’s skating hut.
Cold Chocolate
Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:00pm
COLD CHOCOLATE is a popular Boston-based duo that fuses folk, funk and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. With Ethan Robbins on vocals, guitar and mandolin, and Ariel Bernstein on vocals, percussion and banjo, this power duo impresses audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows.
Zikina & Show of Cards
Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Global musical phenomenon ZIKINA features musicians who came from across continents and cultures to make something beautiful and new. Uganda native Gideon Ampeire draws you in with a variety of traditional East African instruments, including enanga (zither), adungu (harp), and kalimba (thumb piano) - all of which he builds himself. Michael Cardozo (guitar, percussion) improvises melodic conversations with Gideon and dances through the beat with punchy rhythmic lines. Roston Kirk (bass) and Kurt Eisele-Dyrli (drums) weave a sonic landscape that flows seamlessly from intense grooves to joyous dance beats to dreamy textures, as Gideon's vocals cut powerfully through the fabric or float lightly above.
Opening for ZIKINA is SHOW OF CARDS, an indie folk-rock band founded by siblings Karen and Michael Cardozo. The duo's set features a selection of prior work as well as new material from Karen's forthcoming solo album, inspired by her time in Westport. Both acts are based in the region spanning Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Durham County Poets
Thursday, July 24, 2025 @ 7:00pm
DURHAM COUNTY POETS was formed in Ormstown, Quebec, and has performed extensively at some of the most prestigious blues and folk festivals, and venues throughout Canada and into the United States. Its unique sound is an authentic, contemporary blend of Blues, Soul, Folk, R&B, and Gospel. The group’s core includes lead singer Kevin Harvey, with his warm, soulful vocals, bass player Carl Rufh, and drummer Rob Couture. Guitarist Rob MacDonald and saxophonist/arranger Mark Leclerc also bring their unique musical skills to the group, and the entire ensemble radiates joy and exuberance.
Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble
Thursday, July 31, 2025 @ 7:00pm
RAY VEGA AFRO-CARIBBEAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE is back by popular demand! Vega is a multi-talented trumpeter, percussionist, composer, and arranger, and an innovator in the international and Latin music jazz scenes. He is known for presenting jazz from a refreshingly original and contemporary perspective. As a senior lecturer at University of Vermont, he teaches trumpet and Jazz History, and coaches four jazz combos. Vega is a native of the South Bronx, and a veteran of the bands of Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, and Mario Bauza, to name a few. He also hosts Vermont Public's Friday Night Jazz.
Meadowmount School of Music
Thursday, August 7, 2025 @ 7:00pm
MEADOWMOUNT SCHOOL OF MUSIC is a world-renowned summer string instrument school in Westport, where young musicians ages 10 to 30 come to practice, train with faculty, participate in coachings and rehearsals with their assigned chamber music group, and attend masterclasses and performances by faculty and guest artists. This final concert of Meadowmount’s 2025 season showcases chamber groups from the School, joining Ballard Park in recognition of Anne Ballard "Petey" Cerf, the founder of the Park, and longtime friend and supporter of Meadowmount.
Joe McGinness
Thursday, August 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm
JOE McGINNESS is one of country music’s best kept secrets, with his creative, catchy songwriting and energetic performances rivaling many of his industry peers. Joe grew up in the Champlain Valley of Vermont and Upstate NY, and was introduced to music by his family at a very young age. Through many years of playing music professionally, Joe crafted his own unique style of country music. His most recent single is "Forever, I Will." He has shared the stage with many top artists - Frankie Ballard, Granger Smith, Dylan Scott, Old Dominion and others.
For Joe’s Ballard Park appearance, the new age country rising star will share the stage with his teenage sons, CHASE and BO McGINNESS, as they open the show for their father.